News for 'Maharashtra State Commission for Women'

Call Records Spark Demand for Inquiry into Ex-Women's Commission Head's Ties to Accused Godman

Call Records Spark Demand for Inquiry into Ex-Women's Commission Head's Ties to Accused Godman

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Activist Anjali Damania has called for the questioning of Rupali Chakankar, former chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, regarding her alleged connections with Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of sexual assault.

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, has resigned following criticism over her association with rape-accused 'godman' Ashok Kharat. The resignation comes after opposition parties highlighted Chakankar's links with Kharat, who is accused of sexual assault and fraud.

Pressure Mounts on Maharashtra Women's Commission Chief Over Numerologist's Rape Case

Pressure Mounts on Maharashtra Women's Commission Chief Over Numerologist's Rape Case

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar due to her alleged connections with a self-proclaimed numerologist, Ashok Kharat, who has been arrested for rape and exploitation.

Women commission to probe egg extraction racket as chilling details emerge

Women commission to probe egg extraction racket as chilling details emerge

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

The Maharashtra State Women's Commission is investigating a major illegal human egg extraction racket in Thane district, where vulnerable women were exploited for multiple donation cycles using forged documents. The investigation revealed unauthorized IVF clinic operations and unqualified individuals administering medical procedures.

Maha women's panel chief quits over rape-accused godman links

Maha women's panel chief quits over rape-accused godman links

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, has resigned following criticism over her association with Ashok Kharat, a self-proclaimed godman accused of rape. She submitted her resignation to Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.

Maharashtra Aims To Curb Child Marriage With Wedding Invite Rule

Maharashtra Aims To Curb Child Marriage With Wedding Invite Rule

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

The Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights is recommending that the state government mandate the inclusion of the bride and groom's date of birth on wedding invitations to combat child marriages.

NCW Addresses Sexual Exploitation Of Women In Kolhapur

NCW Addresses Sexual Exploitation Of Women In Kolhapur

Rediff.com6 days ago

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of a report on alleged large-scale sexual exploitation of women and minor girls in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, following the arrest of a man for allegedly coercing a young woman into physical relations. The NCW has directed the Maharashtra Director General of Police to take immediate action and submit a detailed report within seven days.

Ashok Kharat: Maharashtra 'Godman' In The Midst Of A Sex Scandal

Ashok Kharat: Maharashtra 'Godman' In The Midst Of A Sex Scandal

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Self-styled 'godman' and numerologist Ashok Kharat has been arrested in Nashik on charges of sexual assault and black magic, setting off a political storm. How did he manage to operate undetected for so long?

NCW Intervenes in Alleged Domestic Violence Suicide in Maharashtra

NCW Intervenes in Alleged Domestic Violence Suicide in Maharashtra

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of a report regarding a woman's alleged suicide in Maharashtra due to prolonged domestic violence, directing the state police chief to ensure the immediate arrest of the accused and a thorough investigation.

Rupali Chakankar quits NCP women's wing post over rape-accused 'godman' link

Rupali Chakankar quits NCP women's wing post over rape-accused 'godman' link

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

NCP leader Rupali Chakankar has resigned from her position as the party's Maharashtra women's wing chief following controversy surrounding her association with Ashok Kharat, who has been accused of rape.

Maharashtra Doctor Accused Of Faking Documents For Insurance

Maharashtra Doctor Accused Of Faking Documents For Insurance

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Police in Palghar have registered a case against a doctor and four others for allegedly creating fake documents to claim insurance commissions.

Sister of NCP Leader Under Scrutiny in Godman's Financial Irregularities Case

Sister of NCP Leader Under Scrutiny in Godman's Financial Irregularities Case

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The sister of NCP leader Rupali Chakankar was questioned by police regarding her alleged connection to the financial dealings of arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat.

Congress Challenges BJP On Women's Reservation Stance

Congress Challenges BJP On Women's Reservation Stance

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal criticised the BJP's stance on women's reservation, challenging them to reject ideological texts like the Manusmriti. He accused the BJP of using the issue for political gains and misrepresenting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks.

NCP Leader's Sister Under Scrutiny in Godman's Financial Irregularities Case

NCP Leader's Sister Under Scrutiny in Godman's Financial Irregularities Case

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The sister of NCP leader Rupali Chakankar is being questioned in connection with the alleged use of her bank account by arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is accused of financial irregularities and land grabbing.

Self-Styled Godman's Financial Irregularities Exposed in Maharashtra

Self-Styled Godman's Financial Irregularities Exposed in Maharashtra

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, already facing rape charges, is now under investigation for opening over 130 accounts with cooperative credit societies and conducting transactions worth approximately Rs 63 crore.

Politicians Under Fire Over Alleged Links to Accused Godman

Politicians Under Fire Over Alleged Links to Accused Godman

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Activist Anjali Damania alleges phone calls between Maharashtra politicians and a rape-accused godman, sparking controversy and raising questions about their connections.

How AI Can Empower Women Journalists In India

How AI Can Empower Women Journalists In India

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Brijesh Singh, Principal Secretary (Information and Publicity), Maharashtra, highlighted the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in journalism and encouraged women journalists to embrace this technological shift to enhance their skills and drive positive change.

Maharashtra Sex Exploitation Case: Police Detain 10

Maharashtra Sex Exploitation Case: Police Detain 10

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

Police in Maharashtra's Amravati district have detained 10 individuals for questioning in connection with a sexual exploitation case. Authorities have also taken down 41 social media accounts used to circulate explicit content of victims. Additionally, police personnel seen celebrating the birthday of the prime suspect have been suspended.

NCW Orders Probe Into Amravati Minor Sexual Abuse Case

NCW Orders Probe Into Amravati Minor Sexual Abuse Case

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

The National Commission for Women has directed Maharashtra's DGP to conduct a time-bound probe into the alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of minor girls by a 19-year-old youth in Amravati.

Haryana CM Saini Lauds Ambedkar's Advocacy for Women's Education and Social Justice

Haryana CM Saini Lauds Ambedkar's Advocacy for Women's Education and Social Justice

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini commemorated B.R. Ambedkar's birth anniversary, highlighting his contributions to women's empowerment and social justice. Saini and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal criticised the Congress party for allegedly disrespecting Ambedkar, while praising the current government's efforts to honour his legacy.

'Give priority to Hindus in jobs': Maha min flags 'corporate jihad'

'Give priority to Hindus in jobs': Maha min flags 'corporate jihad'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane sparks controversy by alleging 'corporate jihad' and urging companies to prioritise hiring Hindu candidates to combat perceived religious conversion efforts.

Congress Calls for Thorough Probe in Ashok Kharat Case

Congress Calls for Thorough Probe in Ashok Kharat Case

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Following the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad calls for a comprehensive probe into the Ashok Kharat case, demanding investigation of all individuals allegedly linked to the self-styled godman arrested for rape.

Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat's Financial Irregularities Exposed

Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat's Financial Irregularities Exposed

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, already facing rape charges, is now under investigation for suspicious financial activities involving numerous accounts and large transactions.

TMC Alleges BJP Conspiracy Before West Bengal Elections

TMC Alleges BJP Conspiracy Before West Bengal Elections

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

The TMC has intensified its attack on the BJP, alleging a 'larger conspiracy' involving central agencies ahead of the second phase of West Bengal polls on April 29, while also questioning the credibility of the Election Commission.

NCW Addresses Obscene Video Circulation In Amravati

NCW Addresses Obscene Video Circulation In Amravati

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has voiced its concern over the circulation of obscene videos of young girls in Amravati, Maharashtra, and has directed authorities to remove the content from online platforms. The NCW is closely monitoring the case and has asked for regular progress reports.

Andhare Urges Fadnavis to Prioritise Kharat Case Investigation Over Political Manoeuvring

Andhare Urges Fadnavis to Prioritise Kharat Case Investigation Over Political Manoeuvring

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare has called for a thorough investigation into the Ashok Kharat case, urging Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to prioritise the investigation over political manoeuvring. Andhare also demanded that the SIT probe former minister Deepak Kesarkar and former state women's commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar.

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

'You Can't Run Parliament With 800 MPs'

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

'You cannot run Parliament with 800 MPs as nobody will get time (to speak in Parliament). And Parliament sits for barely 60 days in a year.' 'Look at the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. They have 650 MPs and they sit for 150 days on an average in a year.'

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Distress address, outright lies: Oppn tears into Modi's address

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Opposition leaders have criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address to the nation, calling it politically motivated and a misuse of official platforms during ongoing elections.

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

What NSA Ajit Doval Told 16 Prominent Indian Muslims

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

'I cannot imagine that any NSA before Ajit Doval would have given us this kind of time and this kind of engagement. They would have offered slogans, or nothing at all. That, too, tells you something.'

Trinamool Congress Counters Amit Shah's Allegations, Accuses BJP of Polarisation

Trinamool Congress Counters Amit Shah's Allegations, Accuses BJP of Polarisation

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has launched a strong rebuttal against Union Home Minister Amit Shah's 'chargesheet' on the West Bengal government, accusing the BJP of attempting to polarise the state ahead of elections and failing to address critical issues such as violence in Manipur and women's safety in BJP-ruled states.

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

'This Is BJP's Insurance For Post-Modi Era'

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

'All this talk about women's reservation and Nari Shakti is a mirage.' 'It is a classic Trojan horse to bring about an alteration in the structure of political competition -- to the enduring advantage of the BJP.'

Sunetra Pawar Takes Charge

Sunetra Pawar Takes Charge

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Nationalist Congress Party leader Sunetra Pawar on Tuesday took charge as Maharshtra's deputy chief minister, a fortnight after her husband Ajit Pawar died in an air crash.

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Ladki Bahin dole amid civic polls sparks row in Maha; Oppn protests

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Maharashtra minister's announcement regarding the disbursement of financial aid under the Ladki Bahin Yojana before Makar Sankranti has triggered a controversy, with the Opposition alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of municipal elections. The State Election Commission has sought a report on the matter.

Maha civic polls: Jan 15 declared as public holiday

Maha civic polls: Jan 15 declared as public holiday

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra State Election Commission on Friday announced that Thursday, January 15, will be a public holiday in areas falling under the 29 municipal corporations where polling for civic elections will be held, an official said.

Oppn flags wipe-off ink in Maha civic polls; SEC orders probe

Oppn flags wipe-off ink in Maha civic polls; SEC orders probe

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has refuted reports that indelible ink marks on voters' fingers were being wiped off during the ongoing civic polls. The BMC clarified that the Municipal Commissioner had not made any such statement.

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Maharashtra municipal elections to be held on Dec 2

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

Elections for municipal councils and nagar panchayats in Maharashtra are scheduled for December 2, according to the State Election Commissioner. The schedule for other local bodies will be announced later.

EC bars Maha govt from releasing early payment under 'Ladki Bahin'

EC bars Maha govt from releasing early payment under 'Ladki Bahin'

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

The State Election Commission (SEC) has barred the Maharashtra government from releasing the January instalment of the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme in advance, citing the enforcement of the model code of conduct for municipal elections. The decision follows complaints about the timing of the release, coinciding with upcoming municipal elections.

Maha BJP MLA in a soup as women's panel steps in over actor Prajakta remarks

Maha BJP MLA in a soup as women's panel steps in over actor Prajakta remarks

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

The Maharashtra State Commission for Women has directed Mumbai Police to take immediate action on a complaint filed by actor Prajakta Mali against MLA Suresh Dhas for making inappropriate remarks about her. Mali alleged that Dhas' comments impacted her personal and social life and led to defamatory content being circulated online. The commission has instructed the Mumbai Police Commissioner to submit a factual report on the matter. Dhas has stated that he is ready to face any consequences regarding the issue and has emphasized the need to focus on the Santosh Deshmukh murder case and crime in Beed district.

BMC polls: BJP-Shinde Sena seal deal on 207 of 227 seats; BJP to contest 128

BMC polls: BJP-Shinde Sena seal deal on 207 of 227 seats; BJP to contest 128

Rediff.com28 Dec 2025

The ruling Mahayuti coalition in Mumbai has reached a consensus on seat distribution for the upcoming civic polls, with the BJP contesting 128 seats and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena 79.

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

'Fadnavis Encouraged Thackerays To Unite'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

'This will split the Marathi and Shiv Sena vote.' 'The BJP has conducted 3 surveys indicating they shall secure 109 seats in the BMC.' 'They do not wish for the Shinde Sena to demonstrate excessive strength in the BMC.' 'If the Thackerays secure 60-70 seats, that will affect Shinde's seats.'