A day after Maharashtra State Women`s Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar resigned over her association with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat held for rape, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said “fraud disciples” who follow “fraud godmen” should also face action, reported news agency PTI.
Addressing a news conference, Thackeray referred to the Kharat case and wondered about the level to which Maharashtra will be taken.
Pointing out 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 fraud godmen then their fraud disciples who are seen in politics should also face action,” reported PTI.
Thackeray said feckless people resort to visiting people like Kharat.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) head also attacked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and said the latter should open a “blanket department” to cover up the wrongdoings of his ministers, reported PTI.
Kharat, who had several political leaders visit him over the years, was arrested in Nashik on Wednesday for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman for three years.
Under fire from the opposition, Chakankar resigned as the state women`s panel on Friday.
Issue won`t end with Chakankar`s resignation, all those linked to Kharat must be probed: Gaikwad
Meanwhile, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad on Saturday said the resignation of Maharashtra State Women`s Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar will not bring closure to the Ashok Kharat case, and sought a probe against everyone associated with the self-styled godman arrested for an alleged rape, reported PTI.
“Mere resignation will not bring closure to the case, and a thorough probe against all those allegedly linked to Kharat is necessary,” said Gaikwad, the Mumbai Congress chief, in a statement, reported PTI.
Names of some ministers and officials have surfaced in connection with Kharat, she said, demanding strict action against anyone who may have tried to shield him. She also sought to know the names of the ministers who visited Kharat.
Chakankar failed in her duties as head of the women`s commission, and instead “added to the difficulties” of Kharat`s alleged victims, said Gaikwad, adding that she resigned only when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked her to, reported PTI.
Several women had fallen victim to Kharat`s alleged activities, facing sexual and financial exploitation, the Congress leader claimed. Despite anti-superstition laws being in place in Maharashtra, such crimes take place due to political patronage, she added, reported PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
