Mumbai: Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar has resigned on the allegations of links with the self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, who is accused of sexually exploiting several women on the pretext of resolving their problems.

She resigned from the post of Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Chairperson following the circulation of her videos and photographs with self-proclaimed godman and occult practitioner Ashok Kharat.

Several photos and videos featuring Chakankar and Kharat went viral on social media, showing Chakankar washing his feet, feeding him cake, holding an umbrella for him, and referring to him as her ‘guru’.

Nashik Police arrested him following a complaint by a 35-year-old woman alleging sexual exploitation by Kharat. Nashik Police sought his custody. Since then, opposition parties had been demanding Chakankar’s resignation.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reportedly asked Chakankar to submit her resignation. She later met Dy. Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar and formally stepped down, citing personal reasons and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the role.

Social activist Anjali Damania alleged that the accused used to administer Viagra to women by mixing it in water, claiming it would purify the mind and soul, and then exploit them. She further claimed that the individual had strong connections within Maharashtra’s power circles, which allegedly prevented action despite multiple complaints in the past.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated that if the 58 videos are made public, several Maharashtra Cabinet Ministers could be forced to resign, potentially de-stabilizing the BJP-led Mahayuti Government in the state. He described the case as Maharashtra’s Epstein files, alleging the involvement of top politicians, businesspersons, and celebrities. There are many photos and videos of Ashok Kharat, alias Captain.