Pune MPSC Protest Continues Amid FIR Against 15, Hunger Strike and Demand for Chairman’s Exit

The protest by Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants in Pune continued on Saturday, with students refusing to withdraw their agitation over alleged examination irregularities and demanding the removal of commission chairman Vivek Bhimanwar. The standoff has intensified after police registered a case against 15 protest representatives.

The agitation at S M Joshi Bridge continued despite police instructions to vacate the site. Authorities have asked the protesters to shift to a designated location, citing restrictions on public gatherings and concerns over traffic disruption.

The hunger strike has also taken a toll on the aspirants. According to reports, three students ended their fast after drinking milk, while four others continued their hunger strike. Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam has offered to bear the students’ legal expenses, including if their fight reaches the Supreme Court.

The Vishrambaug police registered the FIR over a gathering held on October 1, alleging that protesters assembled without permission after an earlier approval was cancelled. The complaint accuses them of obstructing traffic, disobeying police instructions and violating prohibitory orders. The case invokes provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Police Act.

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar has sought fresh permission for the agitation at the bridge and criticised the police action. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve has also backed the demand for the chairman’s removal.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has maintained that the chairman cannot be removed without following due procedure, leaving the government and protesters at odds over the central demand.

The continuing agitation has brought examination transparency, accountability and the right to protest into focus. With legal action underway and students continuing their hunger strike, a resolution remains uncertain.