Mumbai, March 21 A day after Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar resigned following her association with self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, who was arrested for rape, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said on Saturday that "fraud disciples" who follow "fraud godmen" should also be held accountable.
Addressing a press conference, Thackeray referred to the Kharat case and questioned the extent to which Maharashtra would go.
Pointing to the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act 2013, Thackeray said, "If those who are following the law are going to follow such fraudulent godmen, then their fraudulent disciples, who are seen in politics, should also be held accountable."
Thackeray said that people resort to seeking help from individuals like Kharat.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) head also attacked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, saying that the latter should establish a "blanket department" to cover up the wrongdoings of his ministers.
Kharat, who had several political leaders visiting him over the years, was arrested in Nashik on Wednesday for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman for three years.
Under pressure from the opposition, Chakankar resigned from the state women's panel on Friday.