Pressure Mounts on Maharashtra Government Over Astrologer Case
In Pune, the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) joined forces with opposition parties on Saturday to intensify pressure on the state government. Their central demand: that former state women's commission chief Rupali Chakankar and other associates of arrested Nashik-based astrologer Ashok Kharat be formally named as co-conspirators in the ongoing case.
Allegations of Protection and Organized Crime
MANS secretary Milind Deshmukh issued a strong statement, declaring, "As the head of the state women's commission, Rupali Chakankar had a solemn duty to assist women victims in securing justice. Instead, mounting evidence suggests she actively worked to shield Ashok Kharat." Deshmukh emphasized that Chakankar's recent resignation as chairperson is insufficient. The organization plans to meet with the chief minister to demand her official designation as a co-conspirator.
The political opposition echoed this sentiment with visible protests. The women's wing of the Congress party staged an agitation in Pune against both Kharat and Chakankar. Simultaneously, members of Shiv Sena (UBT) called for the government to invoke the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) in the case, arguing the alleged crimes constitute organized criminal activity.
Resignation and Political Fallout
Chakankar's involvement came under intense scrutiny following Kharat's arrest in a rape case and subsequent allegations of exploiting multiple women. Her connection stemmed from her role as a trustee in Kharat's trust. Facing escalating pressure, Chakankar resigned from her position as chairperson of the State Women's Commission on Friday.
Commenting on this development, Sushma Andhare, deputy leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), noted, "This is a profoundly unfortunate precedent—likely the first instance where the chief of the state women's commission has had to resign over a case involving the sexual exploitation of women." Andhare asserted that other influential figures are implicated and joined the call for MCOCA provisions to be applied, leading to further arrests.
Assembly Session to Address the Issue
With the Maharashtra legislative assembly currently in session, opposition members have vowed to raise the matter formally. Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar stated, "Rupali Chakankar is not the only prominent figure involved. Several other 'big fish' were closely associated with Ashok Kharat." He confirmed that the opposition will demand the government take decisive action against all individuals named during the investigation when the issue is brought before the House next week.
The combined pressure from activist groups and political parties signals a deepening crisis for the state government, requiring a transparent and rigorous legal response to address the serious allegations of conspiracy and organized crime linked to the Ashok Kharat case.
