Rupali Chakankar, the head of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women (MSCW), has put in her resignation following the backlash of her interactions with r*pe-accused astrologer Ashok Kharat. He was placed under arrest for the alleged s*xual assault and r*pe of a woman multiple times. Read more about his accusations and why Chakankar came under fire for this controversy.
MSCW Head Rupali Chakankar Resigns Over Connection With R*pe Accused Ashok Kharat
Ashok Kharat was arrested on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Allegedly, he repeatedly took advantage of and raped a 35-year-old woman for over three years. The police has said that the accused would use his position and manipulate women, using the excuse of special rites for religious purposes to assault them. His powerful influence also did not allow these incidents to come to light for a very long time.
A former officer in the Merchant Navy, Kharat (known as ‘Captain’) professed to possess divine powers, and had become known as an astrologer. He also chaired Shree Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple Trust, Mirgaon in Sinnar taluka, Nashik district.
Officials seized some distasteful video clips alongside his arrest, from a total of 58 videos collected on a thumb drive.
Rupali Chakankar, was apparently seen frequently interacting with Kharat, with clips of her meeting with the disgraced astrologer going viral. Several photographs also came to light, where Chakankar is holding an umbrella over the accused’s head as he holds discussions with others.
As a result, the Opposition in Maharashtra took offence to this incident over Kharat’s recent arrest. From Sanjay Raut, the MP for Shiv Sena (UBT) to Rupali Thombare Patil, NCP, called for Chakankar to vacate office. Even Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, as quoted by NDTV, found the connection between the State Women’s Commision head and the astrologer “deeply concerning”.
While Rupali Chakankar initially claimed she was not closely connected with Ashok Kharat, she eventually dropped her resignation. On March 20, 2026, the letter reached Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s office. Chakankar has said her reasons for leaving her post were personal.