The Truth Behind the Rupali Chakankar “Leaked Clip”

New Delhi, March 30, 2026: The political landscape of Maharashtra has been shaken by the arrest of Nashik-based astrologer Captain Ashok Kharat, with the controversy now extending to high-profile public figures. Central to this storm is Rupali Chakankar, who recently resigned as the Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women. A “leaked clip” involving her and Kharat has become a major point of contention, leading many to question its authenticity and the nature of her association with the accused.

The primary video circulating on social media shows Rupali Chakankar performing a ritual where she is seen washing the feet of Ashok Kharat and paying him respect as a “guru.” While some online platforms have used sensationalist headlines suggesting a “leaked MMS” or a “private clip,” it is clarified by investigators and the leader herself that the footage in question is not a recent “leak” of an illicit nature. Instead, the video has been identified as a years-old recording of a religious ceremony.

Authenticity of the Viral Footage

The “truth” behind the video was directly addressed by Rupali Chakankar during a press conference on March 20, 2026. It was explained that the footage showing her washing Kharat’s feet is approximately five to six years old, captured during a Guru Purnima celebration. Chakankar stated that her family had considered the Kharat couple as spiritual guides at the time, long before any allegations of criminal activity had surfaced against him.

Further clarification was provided regarding a viral photograph where she appeared to have a bandaged or “cut” finger, which some online theorists linked to occult rituals. Chakankar debunked these claims by showing her social media history, proving that the photo was actually from September 12, 2025, and the date had been digitally altered in the viral version to September 2 to fit a “black magic” narrative. The passive spread of these edited images has been labeled by her supporters as a deliberate attempt at character assassination.

Also Read: Foreign Tourist Stunned by Goa’s Quick Commerce

Resignation and Ongoing Investigation

Despite her clarifications, the political pressure following Kharat’s arrest—where 58 objectionable videos of other women were recovered—led to significant consequences. On March 20, 2026, Rupali Chakankar resigned from her post as the Chairperson of the Women’s Commission, followed by her resignation as the State President of the NCP’s women’s wing on March 27. She maintained that these steps were taken on “moral grounds” to ensure that the investigation remains impartial and untainted by her official position.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Nashik is currently examining all digital evidence, including the pen drive recovered from Kharat’s residence. While the opposition has demanded that Chakankar be named as a co-accused due to her previous role as a trustee in Kharat’s “Shivnika Trust,” no legal evidence has linked her to the alleged crimes of sexual exploitation or blackmail. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured the public that the probe is being conducted with total transparency to bring justice to the actual victims.