Maha women's panel chief quits after link with rape accused surfaces

Facing flak from opposition parties over her association with rape-accused 'godman' Ashok Kharat, Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson Rupali Chakankar on Friday tendered her resignation. Chakankar, who is also the NCP women's wing chief, submitted the resignation letter to deputy Chief Minister and party president Sunetra Pawar. According to sources, she met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier in the evening, and he asked her to resign.
Chakankar had been facing the heat since her photos and a video with Kharat, also known as Captain Kharat, went viral on social media, with opposition parties making calls for his sacking or resignation. On Friday, a protest was also organised in Pune, with people demanding Kharat's removal.  Shiv Sena (UBT) senior leader Sanjay Raut said Chakankar is supposed to ensure a justice for women facing injustice, but instead, she was washing the feet of a man who is accused of rape. Meanwhile, social activist Anjali Damania has said that Chakankar, who also heads Nationalist Congress Party's women wing, had even endorsed Kharat.

After the arrest of Ashok Kharat, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushama Andhare shared a picture of the astrologer with Rupali Chakankar. In the picture, Chakankar was seen holding an umbrella for Kharat as they stood conversing on a road. Sharing the picture on social media, Andhare wrote, “Rupali Chakan works as a director at the organization founded by Kharat. Many were surprised to see Chakan actively participating in wedding events at Kharat's home." However, Chakankar had refused all the allegations against her. "As regards the current allegations, I am confident that the police will conduct a fair and impartial investigation. I have full faith in the police inquiry," she posted on X a couple of days ago.
Ashok Kharat  was arrested after several allegations of repeated sexual assault by a 35-year-old woman, who accused him of exploiting her for several years under the guise of spirituality and ritual practices. The woman alleged that he administered intoxicants, used fear, manipulation, and sexually assaulted her under the pretext of performing rituals. He allegedly exploited multiple victims’ faith and vulnerability to control them.