Two deputy collectors suspended for involvement in land 'scam'

Two deputy collectors facing charges of misappropriation in a land grabbing case have been suspended, a senior official said today.
Aurangabad Divisional Commissioner Purushottam Bhapkar said resident deputy collector Vishwambar Gawande and deputy collector Devendra Katke were suspended after they were prima facie found to be involved in the embezzlement of a land case on a complaint by one Bhausaheb Kale.
"An inquiry was initiated and both were found involved in the scam and hence the action was taken. Additional Collector P L Sormare, Additional (retd) collector Kisan Lawande, the then deputy collector Ravi Rajput have been served show cause notice as to why action should not be initiated against them," added Bhapkar.

According to the officer, the illegal deal cost Rs 10 lakh to the state exchequer.