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, reported PTI.
The action was taken against Deputy Collector Abhijit Bhande-Patil, posted with the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) in Mumbai, on Thursday, reported PTI.
Preliminary probe suggests he has links with Kharat, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, reported PTI.
Kharat was arrested in March this year after a woman accused him of rape, with a subsequent probe pointing to alleged financial irregularities involving ‘benami’ bank accounts as well as dubious land dealings.
“So he, prima facie, appears to be guilty. I have decided to suspend Bhande-Patil. Till the probe is over, we have decided to suspend Bhande-Patil,” Bawankule said, reported PTI.
In March, the Maharashtra government repatriated Bhande-Patil to his parent department.
ED summons NCP leader Rupali Chakankar in godman Ashok Kharat case
Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Nationalist Congress Party leader Rupali Chakankar for questioning in connection with the alleged rape and money laundering case involving self-proclaimed godman Ashok Kharat, reported ANI.
Officials said Chakankar has been directed to appear before the agency later this week as part of the ongoing investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), reported ANI.
The ED had earlier questioned Chakankar’s sister in relation to the same case as investigators widened their probe into the financial and operational links surrounding Kharat and his associates.
The summons comes amid an expanding investigation into allegations of extortion, financial fraud, intimidation and sexual exploitation linked to the Nashik-based astrologer.
Ashok Kharat facing rape and extortion allegations
Ashok Kharat was arrested earlier in connection with allegations of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 35-year-old woman over several years under the pretext of spiritual guidance.
According to police, the complainant alleged that Kharat exploited and manipulated her between 2022 and December 2025 while using threats and psychological pressure to continue the abuse, reported ANI.
The case was registered at Sarkarwada Police Station in Nashik district.
Earlier, a Nashik court had sent Kharat to judicial custody till April 20 after the completion of his police custody period.
Advocate Shailendra Bagde told ANI that Kharat had already been in police custody for five days in connection with the matter before being remanded to judicial custody.
ED probes financial transactions and alleged bogus accounts
The Enforcement Directorate said it has been conducting searches under Section 17 of the PMLA as part of its investigation into the alleged financial operations connected to Kharat.
According to the agency, preliminary findings suggest Kharat allegedly opened multiple bank accounts in the names of different individuals through two cooperative credit societies in Nashik district, reported ANI.
However, investigators claim Kharat remained the nominee for all these accounts and linked his own mobile number to them, thereby maintaining operational control over the accounts.
The ED suspects these accounts may have been used to route proceeds allegedly generated through extortion and fraudulent activities.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
