Nagpur: CM Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the special investigation team (SIT) probing rape allegations against astrologer Ashok Kharat case is being monitored at the highest level and that no one will be spared regardless of political affiliation. He said he has directed the DGP to monitor the probe.He said more women are now coming forward with complaints, adding that investigators are encouraging victims to speak up by reassuring them and their families. Dismissing the opposition’s attempts to give the case a political colour, the CM said his administration itself had exposed the case based on intelligence input. “The Kharat matter is extremely serious. We are the ones who blew the lid off it based on our intelligence,” he said, adding that the Nashik police commissioner and the SIT are working together. Amid the opposition’s demands for action against politicians with links to the accused, Fadnavis asked why those in the MVA govt who granted favours to Kharat should not be held accountable as well. “If those who merely met him (Kharat) should face action, then those who gave him the 40km water line through a special cabinet meeting—what punishment should they get? Why are you silent about that?” He said he has evidence of opposition leaders visiting Kharat, but added that it was for police, not him, to act on it. “If someone’s involvement is established, action will be taken. But we are not interested in politics—we are interested in women’s dignity.” On Rupali Chakankar’s resignation as the state women commission’s chairperson last week, Fadnavis said she stepped down after acknowledging that her close association with Kharat made it untenable for her to continue in the role. Meanwhile, police warned that strict action will be taken against those using AI-generated images of Kharat with different women and circulating them on social media, as well as those revealing the identities of victims. A police officer said those violating Section 72(1) of BNS, which prohibits revealing the identities of victims of sexual offences, could face a jail term of two years. (With inputs from Santosh Sonawane in Nashik)
