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Rupali Chakankar met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier in the evening, and he asked her to resign.
Rupali Chakankar drew flak over her ties with rape-accused ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat. (Photo: X)
Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson Rupali Chakankar resigned after she was criticised over her ties with rape-accused ‘godman’ Ashok Kharat. She submitted resignation letter to Deputy Chief Minister and NCP President Sunetra Pawar on Friday.
As per a report by PTIChakankar met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier in the evening, and he asked her to resign.
She gave her resignation to the CM and stated that she was stepping down from the post with immediate effect. Chakankar was appointed to the post on October 15, 2024.
“Due to personal reasons, I am submitting my resignation from the post,” the letter read. She also thanked the state leadership and colleagues for their cooperation.
Chakankar’s links with rape-accused godman created a political chaos in the state with opposition targeting the BJP-led government.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare claimed that under the influence of Ashok Kharat, Chakankar ‘cut’ her ‘anamika’ or ring finger as part of some occult ritual. He went on and showed photos where Chakankar is purportedly seen with a bandage on her ring finger.
Activist Anjali Damania also called for the immediate removal of Rupali Chakankar, a demand that has gained momentum amid a growing controversy involving Kharat. The issue intensified after reports revealed that Chakankar had participated in rituals with Kharat and is also a member of the Shree Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple Trust headed by him.
Kharat, who presents himself as a retired Merchant Navy officer and is popularly known as “captain,” has been accused of sexually exploiting women under the guise of spiritual practices, along with involvement in financial fraud and land grabbing.
He was arrested in Nashik following a complaint by a 35-year-old woman, who alleged that he repeatedly assaulted her over a period of three years.
According to her statement, Kharat lured her by claiming that her husband’s life was in danger, administered sedative-laced drinks, and raped her multiple times between November 2022 and December 2025.
Damania further alleged that Kharat used religious rituals as a means to manipulate devotees and exploit women. Meanwhile, Chakankar has denied any knowledge of his personal activities, stating in a post on X that she was unaware of such allegations.
March 21, 2026, 08:09 IST
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