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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Gautam Singhania injured, 2 Indians missing in speedboat accident in Maldives
Male (PTI): Raymond Group Chairman & Managing Director Gautam Hari Singhania has sustained injuries, while two Indian nationals are reported missing after a speedboat capsized near Felidhoo island in the Maldives, according to local media reports.
There were seven people on board at the time of the incident near Vaavu atoll early Friday morning. Two women – a British national and a Russian national - and five Indian men were on board, the Edition.mv reported.
Police said five people fell into the sea when the vessel overturned, including the Russian woman and four Indian men.
Singhania, 60, who was among the tourists, has been rescued.
Citing police, news portal Adhadhu reported that he sustained minor injuries in the accident. He was discharged from the hospital after treatment, it added.
"The two missing persons are Indian nationals," police said, adding that search operations are on.
"The speedboat belongs to his yacht, TT Ashena. The Maldivian Coast Guard is still looking for two people who went missing in the accident," Adhadhu reported.
Citing sources, it said that the vessel involved in the accident was a Cigarette racing boat designed to be driven at high speeds.
Maldives National Defence Force's Male Area Command Coast Guard Second Squadron is searching for the missing individuals. The incident occurred about two nautical miles southwest of Keyodhoo, MNDF said.
