Sapkal questions Maha delay in Kharat probe Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal criticized the state government's handling of the Ashok Kharat case, accusing officials of delaying action despite early warnings. Speaking to media in Buldhana, Sapkal claimed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had knowledge of the case as early as Diwali last year when allegations against the self-styled godman began emerging. He questioned the government's inaction, noting that evidence collection had already started in October-November. "What was the CM doing for six months?" Sapkal asked, urging the BJP-led government to intensify the investigation. Sapkal described the case as sparking a "disturbing discourse" in Maharashtra and called for stricter measures, including additional support for the Special Investigation Team (SIT), the formation of a task force, and strict action against the accused. He also alleged that the government was prolonging the case, citing the resignation of former State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar as an example. "Cases must be registered against all those involved," he said, emphasizing the need for accountability. Linking the incident to broader societal issues, Sapkal criticized superstition as a root cause. "Society must learn from this and adopt a scientific temper," he stated, referencing late rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. He urged continued efforts to combat superstition, noting that Dabholkar's work was vital to preventing such distortions. Sapkal also raised concerns about law and order, citing an incident in Satara during a ZP election where Shiv Sena ministers Shambhuraje Desai and Makarand Patil reportedly claimed they were "manhandled by police.#devendra_fadnavis #harshwardhan_sapkal #ashok_kharat #rupali_chakankar #narendra_dabholkar
