A fresh controversy has erupted over the Drug Inspector recruitment examination conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). While Parliament is engaged in debates regarding new legislation designed to curb competitive exam paper leaks and malpractice, allegations of a question paper leak have surfaced regarding this state recruitment drive. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Rohit Pawar has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the test, demanding an independent and transparent investigation. In response, MPSC stated that an internal preliminary scrutiny revealed multiple discrepancies in the complaint, announcing its decision to file a formal Police First Information Report (FIR) to protect the institution's credibility. The developing situation has put the spotlight on the recruitment process that affects thousands of aspiring candidates.
Exam Schedule, Selection Process, and Leak Allegations
According to a detailed statement released by MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, the written examination for the recruitment of Drug Inspectors was held on March 22 for approximately 31,000 registered candidates. Following the evaluation process, the commission declared the written test results on June 12. Subsequently, candidate interviews were scheduled and conducted between July 1 and July 12, after which the final merit list was officially published.
However, the selection process came under scrutiny shortly after the results were finalized. The commission received its first email complaint on July 21, alleging widespread irregularities and demanding the complete cancellation of the examination. MPSC characterized this initial email as vague and requested concrete evidence from the sender. Two days later, on July 23, a second email arrived containing screenshots of WhatsApp conversations. The complainant alleged that the question paper for the March 22 examination had already been leaked and circulated across social media groups on March 20, two days prior to the actual test date.
MPSC Clarification and Decision to Register an FIR
Addressing the allegations, MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar clarified the steps taken by the administration. He noted that the commission reached out to the complainants, inviting them to present their evidence in person at the MPSC office in Mumbai. Despite offering an opportunity to substantiate their claims directly before the authorities, none of the complainants visited the commission office.
Highlighting the need for a thorough investigation, Vivek Bhimanwar stated, "We are in the process of lodging an FIR to maintain the credibility and dignity of the commission." The commission maintained that a formal police probe is essential to uncover the facts. MPSC further assured that subsequent administrative actions will be strictly based on the findings established during the police investigation.
Demand for CBI Inquiry and Political Recriminations
Escalating the political response, Rohit Pawar accompanied a delegation of competitive exam aspirants to meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe. Following the meeting, the MLA posted on X stating that he urged Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe to ensure an independent, fair, and time-bound inquiry into the alleged paper leak.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Rohit Pawar demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the matter. He alleged that an accused individual linked to the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper leak case has ties to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Pawar further highlighted that Maharashtra has witnessed repeated instances of paper leaks in recent years, citing examinations such as TET, NEET, State Reserve Police Force (SRPF), and the FDA Drug Inspector recruitment test.
WhatsApp Leak Mechanism and Rank Allocations Questioned
Rohit Pawar targeted the paper setter's role in the leak controversy, observing, "The integrity of the person who prepared the question paper is doubtful." He suggested that while the entire question paper might not have been leaked universally, the selective distribution via WhatsApp and its subsequent deletion within 5 minutes pointed toward deliberate wrongdoing. The incident came to light after one recipient of the leaked paper forwarded it to a friend.
The legislator also criticized MPSC's handling of student grievances, alleging that when candidates approached the commission with a complaint on July 21, no immediate corrective action was taken, and students were instead threatened with police action. Furthermore, Rohit Pawar questioned the outcome of the final merit list, asking how the son and daughter of a Nayab Tehsildar managed to secure the 13th and 16th ranks respectively in the competitive exam. He emphasized that only a stringent, unbiased probe can restore candidate confidence.
