Mumbai, March 20 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, has formally requested the resignation of Rupali Chakankar, the chairperson of the State Women’s Commission, according to sources from the Chief Minister's Office.

This directive followed the recent arrest of Captain Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman from Nashik, who faces serious allegations of sexual harassment and rape.

Chakankar is involved with the Shri Shivnika Sansthan in Sinnar, Nashik district, where Kharat holds the position of president. The Chief Minister's request was prompted by the emergence of a video in which Chakankar is seen in a highly questionable position, performing a ritual act of washing Kharat's feet.

Fadnavis has initiated the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the allegations against Kharat, which include repeated sexual assaults and the filming of multiple women without consent.

Chakankar has not yet submitted her resignation amidst growing pressure due to her alleged ties with Kharat, who has been recently arrested on grave charges of sexual misconduct.

On Friday evening, she sent a letter to Maharashtra DGP Sadanand Date, demanding a comprehensive, time-bound, and impartial inquiry. She indicated that the commission would monitor the proceedings closely and has instructed the Nashik police commissioner to keep the commission informed.

The arrest has sparked a political uproar, leading to the establishment of the SIT led by IPS officer Tejasvi Satpute. Authorities have seized a pen drive containing at least 58 video recordings of private interactions involving various individuals.

Images have also surfaced showing Chakankar holding an umbrella over Kharat during a ritual and performing Paadya Pujan (a ritual washing of feet). Furthermore, she has been accused of intimidating a local journalist who previously reported Kharat's activities.

In response to the allegations, Chakankar stated that she would soon address them with supporting evidence.

Earlier on Friday, NCP working president Praful Patel condemned the situation as gravely serious and revolting, asserting that stringent actions would be taken against those found culpable.

He emphasized that although names of political figures have been mentioned, conclusions should not be hastily drawn based solely on photographs.

Patel noted ongoing internal discussions within the party and mentioned that senior leaders, including National President Sunetra Pawar, would be consulted on this matter.

Sources indicate Chakankar is expected to meet Pawar to present her perspective.

Initially, NCP state president Sunil Tatkare refrained from commenting but later expressed that the revelations from Nashik were profoundly troubling.

He encouraged victims to step forward and file complaints, assuring that the government would adopt a firm stance to guarantee strict action against offenders.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare, activist Anjali Damania, and NCP’s Rupali Thombre accused Chakankar of engaging in black magic rituals and shielding an individual involved in acts of violence against women.

While Chakankar has contended that she was unaware of Kharat’s criminal activities and accused others of politicizing the footage, leaders from various parties, including her colleague Rupali Thombare Patil and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, have demanded her immediate resignation to facilitate an unbiased investigation.