Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar on Friday resigned from her position after being asked by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to do so amid a row over her being associated with self-proclaimed spiritual leader and astrologer Ashok Kharat who has been arrested for raping a woman and exploiting many others. Chakankar resigned from her position after meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.
"Due to my personal reasons, I am submitting my resignation from the said post," she said in her resignation letter to Fadnavis. "I am grateful to you for the valuable cooperation you have extended to me so far. I also remain thankful to you and all colleagues for your support. I believe that your cooperation will continue in the future as well."
Chakankar faces the heat
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.
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 (previously Twitter) a couple of days ago.
Kharat remanded to polic custody
Talking about Kharat, the self-proclaimed astrologer was arrested based on a complaint by a 35-year-old woman. The woman told police that Kharat had called her to his office, claiming his predictions pointed to threats to her husband's life. Kharat used to offer some sedative-laced drinks to the woman and had raped her on multiple occasions between November 2022 and December 2025.
It has been alleged that Kharat had exploited several other women in a similar way. He has now been arrested and has been remanded to police custody till March 24.
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