India, May 15 -- The state government has suspended deputy collector Abhijeet Bhande-Patil for his links with self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, who is accused of sexually assaulting and raping several women in Nashik, extortion and money laundering. The suspension order was issued on Thursday after Bhande-Patil was found guilty in a preliminary investigation conducted by the state revenue department.

The inquiry was initiated after it was found that Bhande-Patil's daughter and Kharat jointly owned several properties. Also, several phone calls were exchanged between Kharat and Bhande-Patil.

On March 24, Bhande-Patil, on deputation as deputy collector with the state Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), was relieved from his position for hi...