Mumbai, March 20 As opposition parties targeted Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar over her alleged association with rape accused "spiritual leader" Ashok Kharat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday asked her to resign.
Chakankar, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party led by deputy CM Sunetra Pawar, met Fadnavis in the evening, and during the meeting, the chief minister asked her to step down, sources said.
Earlier, Chakankar had written a letter to Director General of Police Sadanand Date, demanding the formation of a Special Investigation Team to probe the allegations of rape and sexual exploitation against Kharat, who was arrested by the Nashik Police.
However, opposition leaders sought to corner the BJP-led government by highlighting Chakankar's own links with the accused.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare claimed that under the influence of Kharat, who claims to be an astrologer, Chakankar "cut" her "little finger" as part of some occult ritual. Andhare also showed photos where Chakankar is purportedly seen with a bandage on her little finger.
Activist Anjali Damania also demanded the immediate removal of Chakankar. Kharat, who claims to be a retired Merchant Navy officer and is known as "captain," was involved in sexual exploitation of women under the guise of spiritual practices, as well as financial fraud and land grabbing, she alleged.
The demand for Chakankar's resignation intensified after it emerged that she had performed rituals along with Kharat, who heads Shree Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple Trust of which she is a member.
Kharat, who had several political leaders visit him over the years, was arrested in Nashik on Wednesday for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman for three years.
Damania alleged that Kharat used to conduct rituals to influence devotees and exploit women.
Chakankar, in a post on X two days ago, had denied having any knowledge about Kharat's personal life or the allegations against him.
Sources said chief minister Fadnavis had taken cognizance of the rape case involving Kharat, and directed strict action against him two weeks ago.
Kharat was arrested on the basis of a complaint filed by a 35-year-old woman. She claimed that he called her to his office, claiming that his predictions pointed to "threats" to her husband's life, gave her sedative-laced drinks, and raped her on multiple occasions between November 2022 and December 2025, the complaint said.
Sources said Fadnavis instructed the police to take stringent action, following which the DGP issued orders leading to the action against Kharat.