Full Breakdown
Maharashtra Forms Inquiry Panel on MPSC Paper-Leak Allegations as Student Protest Ends
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Background of Paper-Leak Allegations
In March 2026 the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) held a drug-inspector exam for 154 posts. After results were released on June 12, candidates claimed that questions had reached some examinees before the test. A preliminary inquiry confirmed a leak, leading the commission to cancel the recruitment on August 26 and announce a re-examination. The episode triggered a sustained agitation by aspirants in Pune.
Key Figures
- Tukaram Mundhe – IAS officer, Maharashtra FDA Commissioner, appointed secretary of the inquiry panel.
- Vivek Bhimanwar – Chairman of the MPSC, appointed in December 2025.
- Dilip Bhosale – Former Bombay High Court judge, chairperson of the five-member panel.
- Shivendraraje Bhosale – State public works minister.
- Rohit Pawar – NCP MLA who led the student agitation.
- Vishwajeet Kadam – Congress MLA supporting the protesters.
- Laxmi Gautam, Ganesh Patil, P D Naik – Panel members.
Timeline of Events
- March 22, 2026 – Drug-inspector exam held; leak allegations emerge.
- June 12, 2026 – Results declared; complaints intensify.
- August 26, 2026 – MPSC cancels recruitment and orders a fresh exam.
- Early October 2026 – Aspirants stage a 10-day sit-in at the S M Joshi Bridge in Pune.
- Mid-October 2026 – Government announces a high-level inquiry committee; Bhimanwar takes leave.
- Mid-October 2026 – Protesters call off the agitation after the announcement.
- January 3, 2027 (scheduled) – Group C examination with doubled vacancies.
Data & Statistics
- The protest lasted 10 days in early October and involved thousands of students.
- The government pledged recruitment for 70,000 posts over the next three years.
- Vacancies for the Group C exam scheduled for January 3, 2027 will be doubled.
- Police registered cases against 15 protest representatives and 5 individuals for alleged drone use.
Official Statements & Responses
- Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale said the panel will investigate the paper leaks, the drug-inspector exam and other recruitment irregularities, and will consider demands such as withdrawal of cases against protesters.
- Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar posted on X that he would step aside “until the inquiry is completed,” citing personal ethics and commission autonomy.
- MLA Rohit Pawar welcomed Mundhe’s inclusion, urging that the committee be allowed to work freely while reiterating the demand for the chairman’s resignation.
Criticism & Opposition
Rohit Pawar argued that an inquiry alone would not satisfy the core demand for accountability. Protesters also accused the government of “playing politics” instead of engaging directly with students.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether Bhimanwar’s removal was formally decided. Some report he was placed on compulsory leave pending the inquiry; others note no definitive step had been taken. The constitutional procedure for removal under Article 317 was cited, indicating any action must follow a prescribed legal process.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The State government has announced a judicial inquiry into the MPSC paper leak case. Throughout my entire life, I have always prioritised ethics. Therefore, I have decided to go on leave during this period instead of continuing to serve in the post until this inquiry is completed,” — Vivek Bhimanwar
- “Our main demand was MPSC chairman Bhimanwar’s resignation. How long would we have fought over this issue? We could have continued indefinitely. We also have to decide how far to take this,” — Rohit Pawar
What’s Next
The five-member panel, chaired by Dilip Bhosale and secretariat-led by Tukaram Mundhe, must submit its report within 60 days. The findings will shape reforms to MPSC’s examination processes, recruitment timelines and any further action regarding the chairman’s position.