MPSC Drug Inspector Recruitment Hit by Paper Leak; Fresh Exam to Restore Fairness

The Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) Drug Inspector recruitment was disrupted after Mumbai Crime Branch uncovered an alleged question-paper leak and arrested seven people, including seventh-ranked candidate Rituja Patil and three officials.

The Drug Inspector (Group-B) screening examination was held on March 22, 2026, across six divisional headquarters. The June 12 result made 506 candidates eligible for interviews. Of these, 488 appeared between July 1 and 22, and MPSC published a provisional merit list naming 485 candidates eligible for appointment.

The process was cancelled after complaints received between July 22 and 26 indicated a confidentiality breach. MPSC has announced a fresh screening test, with existing eligible candidates not required to apply again or pay another examination fee. The new date will be announced separately.

Police allege the leak originated inside the examination system. Assistant Section Officers Vishweshwar Dattatraya Nakate and Gopal Bhattu Marathe, and Under Secretary Abhijit Ganpatrao Lendwe, are among those arrested. Investigators allege confidential questions were accessed before the examination, compiled into another set and passed through intermediaries Kautilya Academy director Pravin Dilip Patil and alleged co-conspirators Amrut Namdeo Patil and Lokesh alias Gaurav Rajendra Patil.

The Crime Branch recovered WhatsApp conversations and digital leads. Investigators say a leaked set contained 294 questions, of which 77 matched questions in the actual examination paper. Patil allegedly received the material beforehand and was instructed to deliberately answer 10 questions incorrectly so an unusually high score would not trigger suspicion. She secured seventh rank.

The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Maharashtra Prevention of Malpractices at Competitive Examinations Act and Prevention of Corruption Act, covering alleged cheating, criminal conspiracy, breach of trust and corruption.

For the fresh examination, MPSC says its priority is restoring fairness, transparency, equal opportunity and candidate confidence. While the commission has committed to stronger safeguards, specific new technical security measures have not yet been publicly detailed. The investigation remains ongoing, and allegations against the accused will be tested through due legal process.