Chakankar's resignation not enough, thorough probe and action against 'big fish' needed: Cong leader
Mumbai (PTI): A day after Rupali Chakankar quit as Maharashtra women's commission chief over her links with a rape-accused 'godman', Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Saturday said her resignation alone was not enough and demanded action against the "big fish" associated with the accused.
He alleged that attempts were underway to shield the influential people linked to the self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who was arrested earlier this week in Nashik.
Facing flak from opposition parties over her association with Kharat, Chakankar tendered her resignation as the Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson to Deputy Chief Minister and NCP president Sunetra Pawar on Friday.
Talking to reporters in Nagpur, Wadettiwar said Chakankar's resignation alone was not enough, and demanded a comprehensive investigation into the entire episode, including the alleged links of ministers and other individuals.
"The resignation has been given, but action must also be taken against the big fish involved. There are efforts to suppress the Kharat case, and there is pressure on the police during the probe," he claimed.
Wadettiwar said Chakankar, as the head of the state women's panel, was expected to uphold the dignity and rights of women, but her alleged association with the 'godman' raised serious concerns.
He further demanded that the call detail records (CDRs) of all those in contact with Kharat, including ministers and other close associates, be examined.
"Given the enormous wealth and patronage enjoyed by Kharat, it appears there is an attempt to shield certain individuals," he alleged.
Kharat, who claims to be a retired Merchant Navy officer and is known as "captain", had several political leaders visit him over the years. He was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman for three years.
The Congress Legislature Party leader also criticised the state government, accusing it of failing to address the issues concerning citizens and allowing "superstition-driven practices" to flourish.
Meanwhile, commenting on the political developments in Satara, where the BJP bagged the posts of Zilla Parishad president and vice president, Wadettiwar alleged that despite not having a majority, leaders aligned with Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai faced internal sabotage, reflecting discord within the ruling alliance.
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Press Club of India condemns 'manhandling' of UNI journalists during sealing of premises
New Delhi (PTI): The Press Club of India (PCI) on Saturday expressed deep shock and condemnation regarding the alleged "manhandling" of journalists during the sealing of the United News of India (UNI) premises by authorities following a high court order.
In a statement, the PCI said that several journalists at the news agency claimed they were physically removed by the Delhi Police and CRPF personnel from their workplace "by use of force", and were not even allowed to collect their personal belongings.
"The PCI expresses deep shock at the manhandling of journalists while at work at the United News of India premises at 9, Rafi Marg, New Delhi, by police last evening following a court order regarding a land dispute," the PCI said.
The PCI also condemned in the "strongest possible" terms the "highhandedness unleashed on the journalists, including women workers."
The PCI emphasised that the right to work is a constitutional right and stands in solidarity with the affected journalists. They maintained that the authorities should have exercised restraint, especially since the journalists had informed them that the management had not yet communicated the need to vacate the premises after the court order.
"PCI urges the authorities to take prompt action against whoever was responsible for such misconduct, as it would help instil confidence within the journalist fraternity that the right to work of the press is an important part of a democracy," the statement said.
The UNI premises were sealed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' Land and Development Office (L&DO) on Friday following a high court order -- a move the media organisation termed as an "unprecedented atrocity" and "attack on freedom of media".
