In a shocking turn of events, Rupali Chakankar resigned from her position at the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission on March 20, 2026, amid a scandal involving Ashok Kharat, who was arrested on multiple charges including rape, molestation, and cheating. The case has garnered widespread attention, particularly after a disturbing video surfaced showing Kharat urinating into a glass and offering it to a woman, which went viral in mid-March.
Kharat’s alleged misconduct extends beyond the viral video; he is accused of threatening victims with plastic snakes and tiger skins. As the investigation unfolds, the police have filed two additional rape FIRs against him, bringing the total number of cases registered to eight. Notably, a witness, Neeraj Jadhav, has recorded over a hundred videos documenting Kharat’s alleged assaults.
The Maharashtra government has reacted swiftly, constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on March 13, 2026, to delve deeper into the allegations. Kharat’s case is particularly alarming as it has been charged under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, highlighting the severity of the accusations.
Chakankar, who was listed as a trustee of Kharat’s charitable trust, Shivanika, claimed her finger injury was due to an accident during a ritual, raising eyebrows about her involvement in Kharat’s activities. The political ramifications are significant, with figures like Jitendra Awhad stating, “I have the names of all the MLAs. I will reveal them at the right time,” suggesting a deeper network of complicity.
Devendra Fadnavis, a prominent political figure, commented on the situation, asserting, “Nothing happens through black magic,” while Raj Thackeray hinted at ulterior motives behind the scandal, stating, “I am hearing that to clip the wings of someone’s ambition, this matter will be used.” These comments reflect the tense political atmosphere surrounding the case.
As the investigation continues, observers are left to ponder the extent of Kharat’s influence, which reportedly spanned two decades, allowing him to build a following among politicians, bureaucrats, and police officers. The case has also drawn attention to the alarming statistic of 39 lakh litres of irrigation water supplied to Kharat’s ashram, raising questions about the misuse of resources.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full scope of Kharat’s operations, but the allegations of coercion and drugging of victims paint a grim picture. Three women have come forward to lodge formal complaints against him, indicating that this scandal may be just the tip of the iceberg.
As the situation develops, the public and political observers alike are keenly watching for further revelations and the potential fallout from this scandal that has rocked Maharashtra’s political landscape.
