Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday (March 22, 2026) made a strong statement regarding the rape allegations against influential Nashik astrologer Ashok Kharat, who has been linked to several big names in and outside Maharashtra. Speaking to the media about the case, CM Fadnavis gave the assurance that no one will be spared in the matter.
He said the authorities are making efforts to help the victims come forward and share their stories. He added that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been handed over the investigation of the case. “There is no point in making baseless claims. The Kharat case is extremely serious. It was exposed by us based on intelligence inputs, and now efforts are being made to encourage victims, especially women, to come forward with confidence. Some women have already started coming forward and sharing their responses. The entire matter is being monitored at a senior level. The Director General has also been instructed to oversee the case. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed, and the Nashik Police Commissioner, along with the SIT, is working on it. I believe no one will be spared in this matter,” Fadnavis said.
Nagpur, Maharashtra: On Nashik astrologer Ashok Kharat's case, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis says, "There is no point in making baseless claims. The Kharat case is extremely serious. It was exposed by us based on intelligence inputs, and now efforts are being made to encourage… pic.twitter.com/qSdNzwJHeh
— IANS (@ians_india) March 22, 2026
Fadnavis warns the opposition against politicising the issue
Emphasising the seriousness of the allegations against Kharat, Fadnavis warned the opposition against politicising the case. He said that he has evidence relating to the involvement of several members of the opposition in the case. “Attempts are being made to give it a political colour. If anyone has evidence, they should present it, and action will be taken accordingly. However, it should not be politicised. I can provide proof of who all from the opposition were involved, and I have the maximum evidence. But it is with the police, and it is their job to act, not mine,” Fadnavis warned the opposition.
Fadnavis rejected the opposition’s allegation that Kharat was given preferential treatment under the state government. He added that the government cannot go around acting against anyone and everyone who has ever met Kharat. Stressing the gravity of the case, Fadnavis said that it concerns the dignity of women and that the police are doing everything to bring the culprit to book.
“Action will be taken against anyone found involved among those who met Kharat. But if we start acting against everyone just for meeting him, then you know how far that would go. Who sanctioned water out of turn for him? Who laid a 40 km pipeline? These facts have already been highlighted, so this issue should not be politicised; it concerns the dignity of women. Misusing influence to exploit women is one of the worst crimes. No matter what, the accused will have to face punishment. The government and police are ready to take all necessary action,” the CM said.
Maharashtra’s Women’s Commission chief resigned after viral photos with Kharat
Fadnavis’s statement comes a day after Maharashtra Women’s Commission Chief Rupali Chaknakar tendered her resignation after her photos and video with Kharat went viral on social media. Fadnavis had asked Chaknakar to step down from the position amid the opposition’s demands for her resignation. He told the media that Chaknakar had a close relationship with Kharat and that she considered him her mentor. Therefore, a fair investigation would not have been possible had she continued to hold her position.
“She is the chairperson of the Women’s Commission, and she had a close relationship with the person who mistreated women or considered him a mentor. In such a situation, justice in all these cases would not be served, she acknowledged this and resigned,” the Chief Minister said.
Nagpur, Maharashtra: On resignation of Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Chairperson and NCP leader Rupali Chakankar, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis says, "She is the chairperson of the Women’s Commission, and she had a close relationship with the person who mistreated women… pic.twitter.com/kJEWAeVT6O
— IANS (@ians_india) March 22, 2026
What is the case?
Kharat was arrested by the police after a 35-year-old woman filed a complaint against him, alleging that he raped her in Nashik, Maharashtra, in the name of performing some rituals. She alleged that 67-year-old Kharat had intoxicated and hypnotised her before raping. He was arrested at his Nashik farmhouse through a covert operation. During a search at his farmhouse, the police found a pistol, live cartridges, and several spent cartridges.
