On March 20, 2026, Rupali Chakankar resigned from her position at the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission amid a scandal involving Ashok Kharat, who was arrested on serious charges including rape, molestation, and cheating. This incident has captured public attention, particularly after a video of Kharat urinating into a glass and offering it to a woman went viral earlier in the month.
Kharat, who had built a following among politicians and bureaucrats over two decades, faces multiple allegations, with the police filing eight cases against him. Notably, three women have come forward to lodge formal complaints, highlighting a pattern of abuse that allegedly spanned from 2022 to 2025.
In a shocking revelation, it was reported that Kharat threatened victims using plastic snakes and tiger skins. Additionally, Neeraj Jadhav, a key figure in the case, recorded over a hundred videos of alleged assaults by Kharat, which are now crucial evidence.
The Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act has been invoked in Kharat’s case, underscoring the severity of the allegations. Furthermore, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted on March 13, 2026, to delve deeper into the matter.
Chakankar’s involvement with Kharat is also under scrutiny, as she was listed as a trustee of his charitable trust, Shivanika. Following her resignation, she claimed that her finger injury was due to an accident during a ritual, raising further questions about her connection to Kharat.
Political figures have weighed in on the scandal, with Jitendra Awhad stating, “I have the names of all the MLAs. I will reveal them at the right time,” suggesting that the implications of this case could extend beyond Kharat. Devendra Fadnavis remarked, “Nothing happens through black magic,” dismissing any supernatural claims associated with the case.
In addition to the allegations of sexual assault, Kharat is accused of extorting significant sums, with demands reaching up to 5 crores. The investigation has also uncovered 21 live cartridges seized from Kharat’s properties, indicating a potential threat to public safety.
As the situation develops, observers are closely monitoring the legal proceedings and the potential fallout within Maharashtra’s political landscape. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of Kharat’s network and the implications for those involved.
