In a shocking turn of events, Rupali Chakankar resigned from the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission on March 20, 2026, amid a scandal involving Ashok Kharat, who has been arrested on serious charges including rape, molestation, and cheating. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly after a disturbing video surfaced showing Kharat urinating into a glass and offering it to a woman, which went viral in mid-March.
Kharat’s arrest follows a series of allegations that have now culminated in eight registered cases against him. The police have filed two additional FIRs related to rape, and evidence suggests that Kharat employed intimidation tactics, allegedly using plastic snakes and tiger skins to threaten his victims. Neeraj Jadhav, a key figure in the investigation, has recorded over a hundred videos of alleged assaults by Kharat, further complicating the situation.
Chakankar, who was listed as a trustee of Kharat’s charitable trust, Shivanika, has claimed that her recent finger injury was due to an accident during a ritual. This statement has raised eyebrows, particularly in light of the ongoing investigation. Kharat, who had built a following among politicians, bureaucrats, and police officers over two decades, now faces severe scrutiny.
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, highlighting the bizarre nature of the allegations. Observers note that Kharat’s influence in Nashik has spanned nearly 20 years, raising questions about the extent of his political connections.
As the investigation unfolds, the political ramifications are becoming clearer. Jitendra Awhad has hinted at revealing names of MLAs involved at the right time, while Devendra Fadnavis has dismissed the notion of black magic, stating, “Nothing happens through black magic.” Meanwhile, Raj Thackeray has suggested that this matter may be used to undermine political ambitions.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full scope of Kharat’s activities, but it is reported that he had demanded extortion payments in crores and sold energised stones for significant sums. The police have also seized 21 live cartridges from Kharat’s properties, adding another layer to the investigation.
As three women have come forward to lodge formal complaints against Kharat, the situation is evolving rapidly. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted on March 13, 2026, to delve deeper into the allegations, and the public is watching closely to see what further revelations may emerge.
