Rupali Chakankar Resigns Amid Controversy Over Links with Arrested Astrologer Ashok Kharat

Rupali Chakankar, former Chairperson of Maharashtra State Women’s Commission, steps down after allegations of close association with Ashok Kharat, who faces multiple charges of sexual exploitation. Police reportedly recovered 50+ objectionable videos.

In a developing scandal that has shaken Maharashtra’s political and women’s rights circles, **Rupali Chakankar** — who served as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women — has resigned from her position. The resignation comes amid growing scrutiny over her alleged close links with self-styled astrologer and godman **Ashok Kharat**, who has been arrested on serious charges including rape and sexual exploitation of multiple women.

The case has drawn widespread attention, with opposition parties demanding a thorough investigation and critics highlighting the irony of a women’s commission head being associated with someone accused of harming women.

Here is the video covering the full story:

**Ashok Kharat**, a retired Merchant Navy officer who presented himself as a numerologist and spiritual figure (sometimes called “Captain” Ashok Kharat), was arrested by Nashik police in mid-March 2026. He faces accusations of luring women seeking solutions to personal, marital, or financial problems, then allegedly exploiting them sexually under the guise of rituals or spiritual guidance.

According to police reports and multiple news outlets:

- A 35-year-old woman filed a complaint alleging repeated rape over three years.

- Several other women have come forward with similar allegations.

- Police reportedly recovered **over 50–58 objectionable videos** (some sources mention a pen drive containing explicit content involving multiple women) from Kharat’s possession.<grok:render card_id="f6e8c5" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation"><argument name="citation_id">37</argument></grok:render>

The case has been dubbed by some as “Maharashtra’s Epstein files” due to the scale of alleged exploitation and the influential circles Kharat reportedly moved in. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, and multiple cases (at least eight reported) have been registered against him, including charges of rape, molestation, cheating, and extortion.

Rupali Chakankar, an NCP leader, previously headed the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission — a statutory body responsible for protecting women’s rights and addressing grievances related to violence, discrimination, and exploitation.

Public backlash intensified after:

- Old photos and videos surfaced showing Chakankar in close proximity to Kharat, including one widely circulated clip of her performing “Padyapuja” (washing his feet) during what she described as a traditional Guru Purnima observance from several years ago.

- Reports emerged of her alleged association with a temple trust linked to Kharat, where her name reportedly appeared on signage (later removed after his arrest).

- Allegations that she may have tried to shield him or influence local media in the past.

On March 20, 2026, following a meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Chakankar tendered her resignation as Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission. She later also resigned as the NCP’s Maharashtra women’s wing chief on March 27, 2026, after a discussion with NCP leader Sunetra Pawar.

In her defense, Chakankar has stated that she has “no direct or indirect connection” with Kharat’s alleged crimes or financial dealings. She described the viral video as old and part of cultural tradition, and has warned of filing defamation cases against those spreading “false” allegations. She claims she is being targeted because she is a woman.

Opposition parties (including Shiv Sena UBT and Congress) have demanded her questioning by the SIT and a deeper probe into any possible protection or influence she may have extended. Some activists and political voices have called for her arrest, though no such action has been reported as of now.

- **Irony in Women’s Safety Role**: The case raises serious questions about accountability when individuals in positions meant to safeguard women are linked — even if only socially or through past associations — to those accused of exploiting them.

- **Power of Influence**: Kharat allegedly built a network among politicians, officials, and influential people, highlighting how self-styled godmen often gain access through superstition and personal connections.

- **Victim Courage**: The breakthrough reportedly came from a whistleblower (a former staffer) who submitted hidden camera footage, encouraging more women to come forward.

- **Ongoing Investigation**: The SIT continues to probe, with over 100 complaints received. The full extent of the racket and any wider connections remain under examination.

This case continues to evolve rapidly. As the investigation proceeds, more details may emerge regarding the recovered videos, the exact nature of associations, and potential involvement of others.

Public discourse has been intense on social media, with calls for transparency, justice for victims, and reforms to prevent similar exploitation in the name of spirituality.

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### Your Thoughts?

What do you make of this controversy?  

Should past associations disqualify someone from public positions of responsibility, especially in women’s commissions? How can systems better prevent influential figures from exploiting vulnerable people?

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