Rupali Chakankar’s exit not enough; probe must target ‘big fish’, says Congress leader

A day after Rupali Chakankar quit as Maharashtra women’s commission chief over her links with a rape-accused ‘godman’, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Saturday (March 21, 2026) said her resignation alone was not enough and demanded action against the “big fish” associated with the accused.

He alleged that attempts were underway to shield the influential people linked to the self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who was arrested earlier this week in Nashik.

Facing flak from Opposition parties over her association with Kharat, Ms. Chakankar tendered her resignation as the Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson to Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Sunetra Pawar on Friday (March 20, 2026).

Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said Chakankar’s resignation alone was not enough, and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the entire episode, including the alleged links of ministers and other individuals.

“The resignation has been given, but action must also be taken against the big fish involved. There are efforts to suppress the Kharat case, and there is pressure on the police during the probe,” he claimed.

Mr. Wadettiwar said Ms. Chakankar, as the head of the State Women’s Panel, was expected to uphold the dignity and rights of women, but her alleged association with the ‘godman’ raised serious concerns.

He further demanded that the call detail records (CDRs) of all those in contact with Kharat, including Ministers and other close associates, be examined.

“Given the enormous wealth and patronage enjoyed by Kharat, it appears there is an attempt to shield certain individuals,” he alleged.

Kharat, who claims to be a retired Merchant Navy officer and is known as “captain”, had several political leaders visit him over the years. He was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman for three years.

The Congress Legislature Party leader also criticised the state government, accusing it of failing to address the issues concerning citizens and allowing “superstition-driven practices” to flourish.

Meanwhile, commenting on the political developments in Satara, where the BJP bagged the posts of Zilla Parishad president and vice president, Mr. Wadettiwar alleged that despite not having a majority, leaders aligned with Shiv Sena Minister Shambhuraj Desai faced internal sabotage, reflecting discord within the ruling alliance.