Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, who heads the ruling NCP, on Saturday said she has forwarded the resignation of Rupali Chakankar, who stepped down as the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for further action, reported news agency PTI.
Chakankar on Friday tendered her resignation after facing flak from the opposition parties over her association with rape-accused `godman` Ashok Kharat.
Chakankar, who is also the NCP women`s wing chief, submitted the resignation letter to Sunetra Pawar on Friday.
Prior to that, Chakankar met CM Fadnavis, who asked her to resign, sources told PTI.
In a statement, Sunetra Pawar said Chakankar decided to step down in view of the prevailing situation and the ongoing inquiry into the arrest of self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, reported PTI.
“Chakankar has tendered her resignation considering the current circumstances and the investigation underway. To ensure that the probe is conducted in a fair and transparent manner, I have forwarded her resignation to the Chief Minister for further process,” Pawar said, reported PTI.
Chakankar had been appointed to the post on October 15, 2024.
Earlier this week, opposition leaders sought to corner the BJP-led government by highlighting Chankankar`s links with the accused.
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.
Kharat, who claims to be a retired Merchant Navy officer and is known as “captain”, was arrested on the basis of a complaint filed by the 35-year-old woman. The victim complained that he called her to his office claiming that his predictions pointed to “threats” to her husband`s life, gave her sedative-laced drinks, and raped her on multiple occasions between November 2022 and December 2025.
Chakankar`s resignation not enough, thorough probe and action against `big fish` needed: Congress leader
Meanwhile, a day after Rupali Chakankar quit as Maharashtra women`s commission chief over her links with a rape-accused `godman`, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Saturday said her resignation alone was not enough and demanded action against the “big fish” associated with the accused, reported PTI.
Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said Chakankar`s resignation alone was not enough, and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the entire episode, including the alleged links of ministers and other individuals.
“The resignation has been given, but action must also be taken against the big fish involved. There are efforts to suppress the Kharat case, and there is pressure on the police during the probe,” he claimed, reported PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
