A DAY after Maharashtra State Women’s Commission chief Rupali Chakankarresigned over her links with rape-accused Ashok Kharat, Opposition leaders on Saturday demanded that the“big fish”includingministers whoallegedlypatronised theselfstyled godman must face probe. Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar said she has forwarded Chakankar’sresignation to Chief  Minister Devendra Fadnavis for acceptance.

 

Chakankar, who belongs to the Nationalist Congress Party headed by Pawar, tendered her resignation on Friday. But the Opposition continued to pile pressure on the BJP-led Government, with Congress leaders Vijay Wadettiwar and Varsha Gaikwad saying that her resignation was not enough and there should be a comprehensive probe. Wadettiwar alleged that attempts were under way to shield the influential people linked to Kharat who was arrested by Nashik Police earlier this week after a woman accused him of raping her multiple times.“Action must also be taken against the big fish. Attempts are being made to suppress the Kharat case, and there is pressure on the police,” Wadettiwar told reporters.The call detail records (CDRs) of all those in contact with Kharat, including ministers and other close associates, should be scrutinised, he demanded.“Given the enormous wealth and patronage enjoyed by Kharat, it appears there is an attempt to shield certainindividuals,” he alleged.