Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar called for action not just against Chakankar but also against “big fish” allegedly associated with the accused, Ashok Kharat
Vijay Wadettiwar. File Pic
A day after Rupali Chakankar resigned as chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women over her alleged links with a rape-accused self-styled godman, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Saturday said the resignation alone was insufficient and demanded a comprehensive probe into the case, reported news agency PTI.
Demand for wider investigation
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar called for action not just against Chakankar but also against “big fish” allegedly associated with the accused, Ashok Kharat, reported PTI.
“The resignation has been given, but action must also be taken against those who are influential and connected to the case,” he said.
Allegations of attempts to shield influential persons
Wadettiwar alleged that there were efforts to shield powerful individuals linked to Kharat and claimed that pressure was being exerted on the police during the investigation, reported PTI.
He said the scale of the case and the alleged connections pointed to the possibility of a larger network that needed to be exposed.
Calls for scrutiny of call records
The Congress leader demanded that call detail records (CDRs) of all individuals in contact with Kharat, including ministers and close associates, be examined to establish the extent of connections, reported PTI.
“Given the wealth and patronage enjoyed by Kharat, there appears to be an attempt to protect certain individuals,” he alleged.
Concerns over Chakankar’s role
Wadettiwar said Chakankar, as head of the state women’s commission, was expected to safeguard the dignity and rights of women, and her alleged association with the accused raised serious concerns, reported PTI.
Chakankar resigned on Friday following criticism from opposition parties over her reported links with Kharat.
Background of the case
Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman who claimed to be a retired Merchant Navy officer, was arrested in Nashik earlier this week for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman over a period of three years.
He is known to have had interactions with several political figures in the past.
Political criticism of state government
Wadettiwar also criticised the state government, accusing it of failing to address key public issues and allowing superstition-driven practices to flourish, reported PTI.
Remarks on political developments in Satara
Commenting on recent political developments in Satara, where the BJP secured key Zilla Parishad posts, Wadettiwar alleged internal discord within the ruling alliance, claiming that leaders aligned with certain factions faced sabotage despite lacking a clear majority.
The Congress leader reiterated the need for a transparent and thorough investigation to ensure accountability in the case.
(With inputs from PTI)
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