Maharashtra Chief Minister Calls for Resignation of Women’s Commission Head Following Gurus Arrest

Mumbai, March 21: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has requested the resignation of Rupali Chakanakar, the head of the State Women’s Commission, according to sources from the Chief Minister’s office. This directive comes two days after the arrest of self-proclaimed guru Captain Ashok Kharat from Nashik on charges of sexual harassment and rape.

Chakanakar is a trustee of the Shri Shivnika Institute in Sinnar, Nashik, where Kharat serves as the president. The Chief Minister’s request follows the emergence of a video showing her in an inappropriate situation, washing the feet of the accused.

Fadnavis has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations against Kharat, which include repeated sexual harassment and the recording of videos involving multiple women.

As of now, Chakanakar has not submitted her resignation. She is under pressure due to her alleged close ties with Kharat, who is a self-styled guru and numerologist recently arrested on serious sexual assault charges.

On Friday evening, she wrote a letter to Maharashtra’s Director General of Police, Sadanand Date, requesting a thorough, timely, and impartial investigation. She stated that the Commission is monitoring the case and has asked the Nashik Police Commissioner to keep the Commission updated.

The arrest has sparked a political storm, leading to the establishment of an SIT headed by IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute.

Police have seized a pen drive containing at least 58 video recordings of private moments involving various individuals. Additionally, some images have surfaced showing Chakanakar holding an umbrella over Kharat’s head and washing his feet.

She is also accused of threatening a local journalist who exposed Kharat a year ago. Chakanakar has stated that she will respond to all allegations with evidence soon.