Former chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, Rupali Chakankar, is being questioned by a Special Investigation Team in Nashik in connection with alleged links to self-styled godman Ashok Kharat. The SIT was formed to investigate allegations of sexual assault against Ashok Kharat and his political connections.
The SIT probe, led by IPS officer Tejaswi Satpute, began today at the Maharashtra Police Academy in Nashik. The investigation relates to Chakankar’s alleged role as a trustee of Kharat’s Shivanika Trust and alleged claims of possible influence on police officials to suppress cases against him.
Our correspondent reports, Chakankar had earlier skipped summons, citing personal reasons, which drew criticism from several activists. She has reportedly resigned from her posts in the State Commission for Women and the Nationalist Congress Party’s women’s wing.
