A major political controversy erupted in Maharashtra after photos surfaced on social media. Furthermore, the images allegedly showed Rupali Chakankar alongside accused rapist Ashok Kharat. Additionally, Chakankar serves as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. Moreover, videos reportedly show her participating in religious rituals alongside Kharat. Consequently, political leaders across party lines immediately demanded her resignation. Therefore, Maharashtra’s Women’s Commission now faces its most serious credibility crisis in recent memory.
Who Is Ashok Kharat?
Ashok Kharat presented himself publicly as a spiritual astrologer and retired Merchant Navy officer. Furthermore, police arrested him in Nashik district on Wednesday for serious crimes. Additionally, authorities charged him with repeatedly raping a 35-year-old woman over three years. Moreover, investigators discovered 58 videos including objectionable clips stored on a pen drive. Furthermore, Kharat allegedly used religious and spiritual rituals to exploit vulnerable women deliberately. Additionally, he faces charges under the BNS rape provisions and Maharashtra’s Black Magic Prevention Act. Moreover, Kharat also chairs the Shree Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple Trust in Sinnar taluka of Nashik.
The Chakankar Connection Emerges
Reports alleged that Chakankar held a position as trustee in Kharat’s temple trust. Furthermore, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam addressed the controversy directly. Additionally, he stated that both aspects, the rape case and Chakankar’s trustee role, would face separate examination. Moreover, social media videos reportedly show Chakankar holding an umbrella for Kharat publicly. Consequently, the visuals intensified public outrage and political pressure against her significantly. Therefore, her association with Kharat moved from a peripheral connection to a central political controversy.
Chakankar responded to the controversy with a public clarification statement. Furthermore, she stated her association with Kharat was limited and entirely innocent. Additionally, she confirmed having absolutely no knowledge of his alleged crimes whatsoever. Moreover, she urged the public not to draw conclusions based solely on social media content. Consequently, she requested that the law take its natural course without prejudgment. However, opposition leaders rejected her clarification as insufficient given her institutional position. Therefore, political pressure continued intensifying despite her public statement addressing the controversy.
Leaders Across Parties Demand Resignation
Shiv Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut called the situation extremely grave and serious. Furthermore, he argued that the head of a women’s justice institution cannot have such associations. Additionally, UBT leader Sushma Andhare stated Chakankar no longer holds any moral authority. Moreover, she questioned how women could expect justice from a compromised institution. Furthermore, NCP leader Rupali Thombre demanded resignation stating the commission chief must remain impartial. Additionally, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar demanded an impartial government inquiry into the entire matter. Moreover, NCP Sharad Pawar faction Women’s Wing President Rohini Khadse pressed for resignation citing institutional credibility damage.
Activists and Former Lawmakers Join the Chorus
Former MP Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje emphasised that transparency and ethics remain non-negotiable in public life. Furthermore, prominent social activist Anjali Damania raised pointed questions about Chakankar’s relationship with Kharat. Additionally, she asked directly how the Women’s Commission chief could maintain close ties with an accused rapist. Moreover, she questioned why Chakankar publicly accorded such visible respect to Kharat in recorded videos. Consequently, the chorus of voices demanding accountability now extends beyond political parties into civil society. Therefore, the Maharashtra government faces mounting pressure to act decisively on the Women’s Commission leadership crisis before the political storm further damages the institution’s credibility and public trust.
