Mumbai, March 20 The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has written to the state police chief seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into an alleged rape case in Nashik involving a self-proclaimed religious figure, Ashok Kharat.
Notably, commission chairperson and NCP leader Rupali Chakankar herself is under scrutiny over her alleged connections with Kharat, who has been arrested. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked her to resign on Friday evening, sources said.
In a letter to Director General of Police Sadanand Date, Chakankar said that a 35-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted repeatedly over a period of three years by Kharat.
Referring to the FIR registered at Sarkarwada police station in Nashik, she said that the police have recovered more than 50 objectionable videos from Kharat, indicating the possibility of multiple victims.
Considering the seriousness of the allegations and the likelihood that more women may have been exploited, the investigation should be handed over to an SIT to ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation, the letter said.
It also called for identifying the women seen in the videos while maintaining strict confidentiality, and providing them necessary protection and support.