Gondia/Mumbai, March 20 (NationPress) NCP's Working President Praful Patel addressed the media on Friday, shedding light on the serious allegations against self-styled numerologist Ashok Kharat.

Patel stated that a comprehensive investigation is in progress and promised that anyone found culpable, irrespective of their influence, will face severe repercussions.

This situation has caused significant disturbance within Maharashtra's political landscape, especially after reports surfaced indicating that numerous prominent political figures sought "astrological advice" from Kharat.

The scandal escalated further when images of Rupali Chakankar, the Chairperson of the State Commission for Women and head of the NCP women’s wing, went viral on social media.

The contentious pictures show Chakankar engaging in various acts of veneration towards Kharat, including touching his feet, performing 'Padya Pujan' (a ritualistic washing of feet), and holding an umbrella for him.

This has sparked widespread outrage, leading to demands from multiple factions for Chakankar's immediate resignation from her constitutional role.

Patel reiterated that the NCP will not offer protection to anyone involved. He declared, "Swift and decisive measures will be taken based on the investigation results. Several political names are surfacing in connection with this matter. The NCP will respond appropriately within the next 48 hours."

The issue came to light after a formal complaint was lodged at the Sarkarwada Police Station.

Kharat, who operates from Sinnar, allegedly claimed to have supernatural abilities. He purportedly utilized religious rituals, "mantra-tantra", and numerology to gain the trust of women.

The complainant alleged that Kharat invited her to his office, drugged her with a sedative, and sexually assaulted her.

The complaint specified that these incidents took place from 2022 until December 2025.

Following a raid at Kharat's office located at Canada Corner in Nashik, the Nashik Crime Branch confiscated 58 inappropriate video recordings.

It is feared that these clips may include high-profile women, senior officials, and political dignitaries.

Kharat was apprehended by the Nashik Crime Branch early Wednesday and has been remanded to police custody until March 24 by the Nashik District Sessions Court.

Senior Police Inspector Anchal Mudgal mentioned that, although only one victim has come forward at this point, more complainants are anticipated as the investigation unfolds.

This is not the first time Chakankar has faced public scrutiny.

The current controversy adds to a series of previous incidents that have placed her under significant scrutiny from the public and political circles.

Opposition parties, including Congress and Shiv Sena-UBT, have demanded the immediate dismissal of Chakankar from her constitutional position.

Opposition leaders, such as Sanjay Raut from Shiv Sena-UBT, have brought attention to Kharat’s connections with prominent political figures, including Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who visited Kharat’s temple in 2022.

Activist Anjali Damania has also called for Chakankar’s removal and her arrest.

In response to the public outcry, the Maharashtra government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by IPS officer Tejaswini Satpute to ensure an unbiased probe.

Reacting to the unfolding events, Maharashtra NCP Chief Sunil Tatkare expressed deep concern over the revelations surrounding Kharat’s case in Nashik.

"I, like everyone else, could never have imagined that such acts could take place in the name of faith and divinity. In public life, interactions with various individuals and organizations are common, and often these encounters are indirect. However, this does not imply that anyone engaged in criminal conduct will be shielded or supported. I encourage victims in this case to step forward and lodge their complaints with the authorities," Tatkare stated.

"Our government will adopt a firm stance in this issue and ensure that the strictest possible measures are enforced against those responsible. On behalf of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), we will also take every necessary action to guarantee a fair and thorough investigation."