Ruapali Chakankar has officially resigned from her position as the Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Women’s Commission, stating personal reasons for her departure in a letter submitted to the Chief Minister. Appointed only in October 2024, Chakankar expressed gratitude for the support she received during her tenure.

Her resignation is reportedly linked to a controversy involving a so-called 'spiritual leader', Ashok Kharat, who is known by various aliases such as 'Captain' and 'Bhodu Baba'. Kharat is at the center of serious allegations, which have already prompted the registration of three separate FIRs. One of the accusations involves a case of sexual assault against a 35-year-old woman, filed at the Ggovernment police station.

This situation has raised concerns about the integrity of the Women's Commission and its leadership. As investigations continue and more evidence emerges, the implications of these allegations could extend beyond Chakankar and potentially impact the broader women's rights advocacy in Maharashtra, particularly concerning how the commission addresses issues of sexual violence and harassment.