Pune: Gulabo Gang Protests Against Self-Styled Godman Ashok Kharat at SP College Chowk
Sadashiv Peth, 30th March 2026: Members of the Gulabo Gang staged an aggressive symbolic protest at SP College Chowk in Pune on Sunday against self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, accusing him of cheating women and exploiting them in the name of superstition.
During the protest, activists held a symbolic funeral-style demonstration, blackened a photograph of Kharat, garlanded it with slippers, and beat it with footwear to express their anger. The protesters alleged that such self-styled godmen deceive women and subject them to mental and social exploitation under the guise of religious practices.
The demonstrators warned the government to take swift action in the matter, stating that the agitation would intensify if strict steps are not taken immediately. They demanded that a criminal case be registered against Ashok Kharat and that he be given stringent punishment.
The protesters also demanded that Rupali Chakankar be made a co-accused in the case and investigated, followed by her arrest if found involved. Additionally, they called for the immediate resignation of Neelam Gorhe, asking her to accept moral responsibility in connection with the controversy.
The protest was led by Sangita Tiwari, president of the Payal Tiwari Bitiya Foundation and a member of the Gulabo Gang. Addressing the gathering, Tiwari said those who play with the lives of women will not be spared.
“If the law is asleep, we will wake it up. We will not step back until justice is delivered,” she said.
The protesters said they have sent a letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding a thorough investigation into the matter and strict punishment for the accused. They also claimed to have sent around 100 postcard letters to the Chief Minister urging him to ensure justice.
Several women activists participated in the protest, including Shobhana Pannikar, Pooja Patil Chavan, Priya Patil Suryawanshi, Sonia Owal, Sarika Shinde, Bharti Londhe, Parul Tai, Shubha Wafare, Malan Chavan, Suvarna Mane, and Shubhangi Wakhare.
The protesters warned that if immediate action is not taken, a larger agitation will be launched across the state in the coming days, holding the administration responsible for any escalation.
