Mumbai, April 14 (IANS) Breaking her silence on a series of recent allegations in connection with the alleged links with the self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, the former Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Chairperson Rupali Chakankar on Tuesday expressed serious displeasure over “deliberate and fabricated” malicious campaign to tarnish her and her family’s reputation.
The controversy stems from an anonymous letter currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
She questioned the motives behind the letter’s leak to the press, demanding transparency on how a document submitted to the police reached media houses before any official verification.
“To achieve the devious goal of defamation, an anonymous letter received by the police administration was handed over to the media to fuel day-long televised debates,” Chakankar said, who had also resigned as the Maharashtra NCP women’s wing.
“The identity of those whose ‘courtesy’ facilitated this must be exposed.”
She also cited the Beed Superintendent of Police, Navneet Kanwat, who clarified to the media that an anonymous letter lacking a name or address holds no legal standing.
Despite this, Chakankar has demanded a formal inquiry to trace the origin and authorship of the “mischievous” document.
In a detailed statement, Chakankar highlighted that while Maharashtra’s political history is rife with evidence-backed allegations, the current claims against her — which have persisted for 28 days — remain entirely unsubstantiated.
The former Maharashtra State Women’s Commission Chairperson addressed the Ashok Kharat case directly, clearly denying any involvement in financial irregularities, land deals, or any other criminal activities.
“I have maintained a firm and clear stand from day one,” Chakankar said.
“Neither I nor my family have even a remote connection to any misconduct in this matter. It is deeply regrettable that a new and dangerous precedent is being set where mental harassment and public shaming are being carried out based solely on speculation, rumours, and colourful stories,” she added.
Explaining her recent absence from the media spotlight, Chakankar noted that her silence was intentional to ensure that the SIT and other investigative agencies could conduct a fair and impartial probe without external pressure or “one-sided news narratives”.
She concluded with a note of defiance and confidence in the judicial process.
“I have unwavering faith that, in the end, the truth will emerge with absolute clarity,” she remarked.
–IANS
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