20 March,2026 06:58 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar. FILE PIC
The opposition has stepped up its attack on the ruling Mahayuti government, demanding the resignation and arrest of State Women's Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar over her alleged links to retired naval officer-turned-godman Ashok Kharat.
On Wednesday, Kharat, a 67-year-old self-styled godman and astrologer from Nashik, was arrested by police for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sushma Andhare on Friday demanded that Chakankar be arrested and an inquiry be initiated against her in connection with the case.
"Police should arrest Chakankar and conduct a detailed probe to find more details in the case," Andhare said.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rupali Thombre Patil said that on moral grounds, Chakankar should step down from the post.
Senior NCP leader Praful Patel said that action would be taken within the next two days if the allegations are found to be correct.
Social activist Anjali Damania urged the state government to take immediate action against Chakankar. She said Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, being a woman, should understand the survivor's pain and ensure that the State Women's Commission Chairperson steps down without delay.
Pictures of political leaders from various parties visiting Kharat have surfaced and are being circulated on social media.
The state government has formed a special investigation team (SIT), headed by Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Tejaswini Satpute, to probe the case.
Meanwhile, Chakankar has denied 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 wrote earlier this week.
