The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) cancels the Drug Inspector, Group-B recruitment after complaints that the screening examination’s question set was accessed and circulated before the March 22 test. The commission orders a fresh re-examination for eligible candidates, citing the need to preserve confidentiality and fairness.
According to investigations reported by multiple outlets, the alleged leak involves a confidential “superset” of 294 questions prepared by experts. Police allege the material was compiled into a separate set by an MPSC employee and passed through MPSC officials and intermediaries, including a coaching institute director. The set allegedly reaches candidate Rutuja Patil, who police say received it on March 20 and then shared it—through WhatsApp—with her then-boyfriend, Gaurav (Lokesh) Patil, before the exam. Outlets also report that police suspect money was exchanged, with figures including ₹5 lakh and higher totals cited in different accounts.
Outlets differ in emphasis and additional details, including the role of the couple’s breakup in triggering complaints and the use of WhatsApp chats and email messages as evidence. Police arrest six accused on August 26, including three MPSC officials, and later mention the arrest and further questioning of additional accused as the investigation continues. The Crime Branch seeks further custody to probe laptop data, financial records, and the full chain of circulation.
