Opposition parties on Friday criticised Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar over her alleged association with Ashok Kharat, who was recently arrested by the Nashik Crime Branch for allegedly raping a woman and allegedly exploiting others under the guise of religious practices.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sushma Andhare and social activist Anjali Damania demanded Chakankar’s resignation, citing her alleged links with Kharat, also known as ‘Captain’ Kharat, who has been remanded in police custody till March 24, news agency PTI reported.
State Congress Spokesperson Atul Londhe said a woman police officer of additional director general (ADG) rank should lead the special investigation team (SIT) probing the case.
Andhare also called for a narco test on Chakankar to establish the truth. Addressing reporters, she alleged that Chakankar had cut her ring finger under Kharat’s influence and displayed photographs in which she was seen with a bandage on the finger.
Damania demanded Chakankar’s immediate removal from the post, alleging her association with the former Merchant Navy officer-turned-astrologer, and warned of a statewide agitation if no action is taken within 24 hours.
She further alleged that Kharat was involved in financial fraud, land grabbing, and sexual exploitation of women under the guise of spiritual practices.
Kharat arrested in Nashik for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman over three years
Kharat, who had reportedly been visited by several political leaders over the years, was arrested in Nashik district on Wednesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman repeatedly over three years.
Damania alleged that Kharat conducted rituals involving chanting and staged supernatural responses to mislead followers. She claimed that he exploited several women, particularly from economically weaker sections, and extorted money from wealthy devotees through so-called remedies and advice.
According to Damania, Chakankar, who also heads the women’s wing of the ruling Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), had endorsed Kharat.
She questioned if Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar was aware of or accepted such an association.
In a post on X, Chakankar denied any knowledge of Kharat’s personal life or the allegations against him. “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.
शिवनिका संस्थान ट्रस्ट हे महादेव देवस्थानचे ट्रस्ट असून काहीवेळा तिथे सामाजिक कार्यक्रम साजरे होतात, त्यामुळे सामाजिक कामांच्या निमित्ताने आम्ही अनेक जण ट्रस्टच्या कामाशी जोडले गेले होतो.ज्यात समाजातील अनेक प्रतिष्ठित व्यक्ती आहेत.कॅप्टन खरात यांच्या वैयक्तिक आयुष्य किंवा…
— Rupali Chakankar (@ChakankarSpeaks) March 18, 2026
Speaking on the allegations, senior NCP leader Praful Patel said strict action would be taken against anyone found involved in the case.
CM Devendra Fadnavis directed strict action against Kharat
Sources said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had taken cognisance of the case and directed strict action against Kharat around a fortnight ago.
Kharat was arrested after a 35-year-old woman alleged that he called her to his office citing predictions about threats to her husband’s life.
He allegedly gave her sedative-laced drinks and sexually assaulted her multiple times between November 2022 and December 2025.
Sources said Fadnavis personally coordinated with senior police officers to ensure prompt action, following which the director general of police issued orders leading to the operation. Police reportedly gathered video footage and other key evidence before proceeding.
The crime branch later raided Kharat’s residence and, anticipating that he might flee, created a diversion by staging a theft in the area, sources added.
Calls for Chakankar’s resignation intensified after reports emerged that she had participated in rituals with Kharat, who is also chairman of the Shree Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple Trust, where she is a member.
Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati also demanded her resignation, while Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmaker Sanjay Raut questioned who was protecting her.
(With PTI inputs)
