Shivsena UBT Leader, Sushma Andhare, on Friday, held a press conference in connection with the alleged ‘Fake Baba’ Ashok Kharat case and levelled serious allegations against State Women’s Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar.
“We have certain expectations from the Home Minister. Rupali Chakankar’s name is being discussed everywhere in this matter. While giving clarification, she said she has no personal connection and was only associated through a trust.
However, Dattatray Khemanar, the sub-editor of Khabardar Pudhari, had received a letter from the Women’s Commission directing the police to register offences. Evidence has now emerged that Chakankar had exerted pressure,” Andhare alleged.
“There is a difference between astrology and practising tantra-mantra. Activities like black magic and such practices violate the anti-superstition law. On one hand, she claims to be progressive on social media, saying she does not worship her husband but is worshipped by him. On the other hand, she was seen engaging in such acts,” Andhare said.
Calling the matter “serious,” Andhare said attempts were made to speak to some alleged victims, who claimed Chakankar was present at key family events of Kharat. “She was present when Kharat’s father passed away and also during his daughter’s wedding arrangements. Kharat’s niece reportedly stays at Chakankar’s residence. I will present financial documents linking them within two days. One victim has even claimed that Chakankar herself practised tantra-mantra,” she alleged.
Andhare also displayed photographs of Chakankar and Kharat during the press conference. “Are these just photos of a trust member, or do they indicate deeper personal ties? Let her clarify the nature of this relationship,” she said.
She further claimed that a victim alleged Chakankar performed rituals on Somvati Amavasya on September 2, 2024, involving self-harm as part of tantra practices. “Between September and January, there was a visible injury on her hand. This is a serious matter,” Andhare said.
Andhare demanded Chakankar’s removal from her post, a face-to-face inquiry between Chakankar and Kharat, and a narco test for both. She also called for an examination of their call detail records (CDR) to determine the frequency and timing of their communication.
“A photo of Eknath Shinde performing a ritual has surfaced, raising questions over his links. Andhare demanded a probe into all political figures, including Shinde’s CDR, saying no one should be spared as it concerns women’s dignity," She added.
However, MP Sanjay Raut said, “After the Epstein file, the Kharat file has now opened in Maharashtra, and I have the information that around nine ministers were in touch with this fake baba, most of them from the ruling government but not from the BJP. I would like to thank CM Devendra Fadnavis for taking strict action in the Kharat case and directing the police to act firmly.”
Raut further added, “Chakankar has no other option but to resign, no matter what.”
