India, March 20 -- In the wake of the arrest of Nashik-based godman and numerologist Ashok Kharat on Tuesday following a complaint by a 27-year-old woman with allegations of rape, and the subsequent political firestorm given his proximity to top politicians, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Rupali Thombare Patil on Thursday demanded the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar, alleging her probable interference in the investigation.

Addressing a press conference in Pune, Patil claimed that a fair probe would not be possible if Chakankar continued in her position, as there was a risk of evidence being destroyed. She also demanded that Chakankar be named a co-accused in the case.

Patil alleg...