Mumbai, March 21 A day after Rupali Chakankar resigned as the head of the Maharashtra Women's Commission over her alleged links with a rape-accused "spiritual leader," Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said her resignation alone was not enough and demanded action against the "powerful individuals" associated with the accused.
He alleged that attempts were being made to protect influential people linked to the self-styled spiritual leader Ashok Kharat, who was arrested earlier this week in Nashik.
Facing criticism from opposition parties over her association with Kharat, Chakankar tendered her resignation as the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women to Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Sunetra Pawar on Friday.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said Chakankar's resignation alone was not sufficient, 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 powerful individuals involved. There are efforts to suppress the Kharat case, and there is pressure on the police during the investigation," he claimed.
Wadettiwar said that 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 "spiritual leader" 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 protect certain individuals," he alleged.
Kharat, who claims to be a retired Merchant Navy officer and is known as "captain," has been visited by several political leaders 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 won the posts of Zilla Parishad president and vice president, 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.