MUMBAI, March 23 -- Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the probe into the alleged sex scam involving self-styled godman Ashok Kharat is helping build confidence among his victims to come forward and lodge complaints with the police. Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis said he has directed state director general of police Sadanand Date to personally monitor the case. "We know that many women did not come forward earlier due to stigma and social pressure. Now we are instilling confidence in victims so that they come forward, and some of them are responding," he said. Fadnavis also hit out at the opposition for trying to give the case a "political colour". "If anyone has proof, they should come forward, share it. Strict action will be taken," he said. Regarding the resignation of Rupali Chakankar, the former chief of the women's commission, Fadnavis said that since Chakankar had considered Kharat a 'guru', she stepped down to let justice take its course. The controversy has triggered a strong response from the opposition with Sanjay Raut, MP from Shiv Sena (UBT), demanding that ministers allegedly linked to Kharat be named as co-accused in the case. "It is extremely unfortunate that superstitious practices are allowed to flourish in a progressive state like Maharashtra. Several ruling party leaders were followers of Kharat. They should be made co-accused in the case," Raut said. Raut added that although state minister Deepak Kesarkar has denied links to Kharat, his denial must be questioned. He said leaders associated with Kharat must not be allowed to distance themselves from him. Responding to Raut's claims, Kesarkar said he knew Kharat only in connection with a temple trust and astrology-related work. "I was not aware of or linked to any of his other activities. I had no knowledge of any wrongdoing," he said, adding that his interactions in Sinnar were limited to people linked to the trust....