Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has requested State Women’s Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar to step down following recent events. This move follows the arrest of self-proclaimed godman Captain Ashok Kharat on charges of sexual harassment and rape in Nashik. Chakankar, a trustee at Shri Shivnika Sansthan, faces pressure due to her alleged association with Kharat.
Fadnavis has initiated the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the accusations against Kharat, which include multiple instances of sexual assault and recording women. Chakankar, who has not resigned yet, is under scrutiny for her close ties to Kharat, a self-styled godman facing serious allegations.
Chakankar, in response, has written to Maharashtra DGP Sadanand Date, urging a thorough and unbiased investigation into the matter. She has emphasized the commission’s oversight of the case and requested regular updates from the Nashik police commissioner. The situation has sparked a political uproar, leading to the establishment of an SIT headed by IPS officer Tejasvi Satpute.
Police have seized a pen drive containing 58 video recordings of private moments involving various individuals. Additionally, images have emerged showing Chakankar shielding Kharat with an umbrella and conducting Paadya Pujan (ritual foot washing). Chakankar also faces allegations of intimidating a local journalist who exposed Kharat a year ago.
Chakankar has vowed to address the accusations with evidence soon. NCP working president Praful Patel has condemned the case as extremely grave and repugnant, promising strict action against the guilty parties. Patel has urged against premature judgments based solely on photographs and mentioned ongoing internal party discussions involving senior leaders.
