Deputy collector suspended over links with arrested self-styled godman Kharat

MUMBAI: (May 15) The Maharashtra government has suspended a deputy collector for his alleged links with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, in the first such crackdown on officials after the case rocked the state earlier this year.

The action was taken against Deputy Collector Abhijit Bhande-Patil, posted with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in Mumbai, on Thursday.

Preliminary probe suggests he has links with Kharat, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said.