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Congress Member of Parliament (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 demanded a comprehensive probe into all those allegedly associated with the self-styled godman arrested for rape, news agency PTI reported.

Chakankar, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader, stepped down from her post on Friday amid criticism over her alleged links with Kharat.

“Mere resignation will not bring closure to the case, and a thorough probe against all those allegedly linked to Kharat is necessary,” said Gaikwad, who is also the Mumbai Congress chief.

She said names of certain ministers and officials have surfaced in connection with Kharat and sought strict action against anyone who may have attempted to shield him. Gaikwad also demanded that the names of ministers who visited Kharat be made public.

Alleging that Chakankar failed in her responsibilities as head of the women’s commission, Gaikwad said she had instead “added to the difficulties” of the alleged victims, and claimed that the resignation came only after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis asked her to step down.

The Congress leader further alleged that several women had fallen victim to Kharat’s activities, facing both sexual and financial exploitation. She said that despite the existence of anti-superstition laws in Maharashtra, such crimes continue due to political patronage.

Kharat held in rape case; Gaikwad flags “serious” issue, seeks probe into powerful links

Kharat, who headed a temple trust in Sinnar, claimed to be an astrologer and allegedly performed rituals for followers. He was arrested earlier this week by the Nashik Police after a woman accused him of repeatedly raping her over two years by threatening her.

Describing the situation as “serious and concerning”, Gaikwad said it was unfortunate that superstitious practices continue in a progressive state with a legacy of reformers such as Shahu Maharaj, Jyotirao Phule and Dr B R Ambedkar. She also recalled the work of slain anti-superstition activist Narendra Dabholkar in combating blind faith.

While the BJP-led state government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case, Gaikwad said justice for the victims would be ensured only if action is taken against those in positions of power who were allegedly linked to Kharat.

(With PTI inputs)