Dy collector benched over ‘Kharat links’, revenue department inquiry on

Mumbai: The state revenue department has suspended a deputy collector-rank officer for his alleged involvement with astrologer Ashok Kharat, while ordering a departmental inquiry against him.

Kharat is facing multiple criminal cases involving alleged sexual exploitation, cheating and violations under the anti-superstition law.

The official, Abhijit Bhande-Patil, was posted as a competent authority with Slum Rehabilitation Authority. On April 30, social activist Anjali Damania submitted a complaint, along with supporting documents, against the officer. Call detail records allegedly showed that Bhande-Patil and Kharat exchanged 143 phone calls from April 4, 2025-March 15 this year.

Following the allegations, Bhande-Patil was sent back to his parent revenue department. However, as no suspension order was issued for more than a month, Damania raised the issue with Bawankule. Bawankule said Bhande-Patil was suspended after initial findings indicated a connection with Kharat.