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 multiple charges including rape, molestation, and cheating. This shocking turn of events has sent ripples through Maharashtra’s political landscape.
The controversy escalated when a video surfaced in mid-March showing Kharat urinating into a glass and offering it to a woman, which quickly went viral. This incident has drawn widespread condemnation and raised serious questions about Kharat’s conduct over the years.
In addition to the viral video, Kharat faces two more rape FIRs, bringing the total number of cases against him to eight. Allegations have emerged that he used plastic snakes and tiger skins to intimidate his victims, revealing a pattern of coercive behavior that has persisted for years.
Chakankar, who had been associated with Kharat as a trustee of his charitable trust, Shivanika, claimed that her recent finger injury was due to an accident during a ritual. This statement has been met with skepticism given the gravity of the surrounding allegations.
Neeraj Jadhav, a key figure in the investigation, recorded over a hundred videos of alleged assaults by Kharat, further complicating the case. Observers note that Kharat had built a network of influence over two decades, gaining support from politicians, bureaucrats, and police officers.
The Maharashtra government has reacted by constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on March 13, 2026, to delve deeper into the allegations against Kharat. The case has also been charged under the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, highlighting the bizarre nature of the accusations.
As the investigation unfolds, political figures are weighing in. Jitendra Awhad has claimed to possess names of implicated MLAs, stating, “I have the names of all the MLAs. I will reveal them at the right time.” Meanwhile, Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the notion of black magic, asserting, “Nothing happens through black magic.”
Raj Thackeray has expressed concerns that the scandal may be exploited to undermine political ambitions, noting, “I am hearing that to clip the wings of someone’s ambition, this matter will be used.” Such statements reflect the high stakes involved in this unfolding drama.
As the public awaits further developments, the situation remains fluid. With three women reportedly willing to lodge formal complaints against Kharat, the implications of this scandal could resonate far beyond Maharashtra.
Details remain unconfirmed as the investigation continues, but the fallout from this scandal is likely to reshape the political landscape in the region.
