“Chougule” (also written Chougale / Chougali, etc.) is mainly a regional surname found in Maharashtra, Karnataka and nearby areas. It is used by people of different communities – some may be Hindus, some Lingayats, some Jains, etc.

So:

• The surname by itself does not prove that a person is Jain or not.
• In Jain Dharma, being “Jain” is about shraddhā (faith), practice, and conduct, not only family name or caste.
• To know if someone is Jain, you have to see their sampradāy / family tradition / practice of Jain principles, not just the surname.

So: Some people with surname Chougule may be Jain, and many may not be. The name alone is not enough to decide.