‘Godman’ Kharat case: Chakankar appears before SIT, says she will cooperate with probe
Mumbai (PTI): NCP leader Rupali Chakankar on Sunday appeared before the special investigation team (SIT) for questioning over her alleged association with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is currently under arrest in rape and sexual exploitation cases.
Chakankar, who resigned as the state women's panel chief amid the controversy, said that she would fully cooperate with the probe. Her questioning began around 12.30 pm, said sources.
The Nashik police arrested Kharat on March 18 for allegedly raping a woman repeatedly for three years. A probe, however, soon revealed a web of crime, including sexual assault, land grabbing, financial irregularities, as well as cheating using black magic, among others.
The Maharashtra government has set up an SIT to probe 12 cases of sexual assault and financial fraud registered against Kharat in Nashik and Ahilyanagar districts.
Chakankar had to resign as chairperson of the State Women's Commission and as chief of the NCP women's wing after her links to Kharat came to light. Pressure had mounted on her after it emerged that she had performed rituals with Kharat, who is also the chairman of Shree Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple Trust, where she is a member.
An official said that Chakankar was called to record her statement before the SIT and was being questioned at the Maharashtra Police Academy in Nashik.
The SIT was likely to ask her about her association with Kharat and about the alleged use of her sister's bank account by the accused godman.
Speaking to reporters, Chakankar said she would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation and respond to all queries raised by the police. “The SIT has some questions. I have come here to answer all those questions,” she said.
Chakankar said that while several allegations had been made linking her to Kharat, cooperating with investigators was her responsibility.
Referring to allegations made by activist Anjali Damania against her, Chakankar said, “I don’t know who is saying what. But you will get answers to all your questions after completion of the inquiry.”
Earlier, Damania had demanded that Chakankar be investigated, claiming that she had details of call records showing that the NCP leader made 177 calls to Kharat, including a conversation lasting 22 minutes in a single day.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Nana Patole claimed that Kharat's life could be in danger in prison.
Talking to reporters, he alleged, "Four ministers in the state cabinet were connected to Kharat. We will write to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking their removal."
Reacting to Patole's allegations, BJP leader and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the Congress leader should reveal the names of the ministers rather than providing incomplete information.
He further assured that Kharat was safe in custody.
Kharat has been at the centre of a political firestorm, as he was well-connected, and photographs of him with political leaders have surfaced since his arrest.
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VCK urges CM Vijay to enact stringent law against superstitious practices
Chennai (PTI): VCK MLA Vanni Arasu on Wednesday urged the newly formed Tamil Nadu government to enact a stringent law against superstitious practices, citing similar legislations in Karnataka and Maharashtra to curb exploitation in the name of black magic and rituals.
VCK, which won two seats in the 2026 Assembly election, has offered support to TVK to form a government during the floor test.
Speaking during the discussion on the confidence motion in the Assembly, Arasu highlighted that states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Rajasthan already have laws against witchcraft and sorcery.
"From 2013 in Maharashtra and 2020 in Karnataka, laws providing imprisonment for those who deceive through superstitious means have been in practice," he stated. The party noted that rationalist Narendra Dabholkar had fought for such a law in Maharashtra before being murdered by "Sanatana terrorists".
The VCK MLA further called on the government to prioritise scientific temper over beliefs in astrology and sorcery.
"Our government should give priority to projects that develop science without giving room for superstitions like astrology and black magic," Arasu said, citing Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, which defines the development of scientific temper as a fundamental duty of every citizen.
The party demanded a special law to prevent honour killings as well, which Arasu claimed are rising in Tamil Nadu as they once did in North Indian states.
The government was also urged to enact legislation protecting the "200-point roster system" for SC/ST employee promotions, utilising powers under Article 16(4A) of the Constitution.
Highlighting the recent arrest of 40 Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, the VCK sought a permanent solution to protect them from such attacks.
The party called on the state government to take initiatives toward the "right of Eelam Tamils to rule themselves" and requested that the state officially observe May 18 as International Genocide Day.
