The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) on Monday, 27 July 2026, issued an official clarification over allegations that the question paper for its Drug Inspector recruitment examination was leaked two days before the test, and confirmed that a formal police complaint will be filed. The announcement came after Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents mounted a sharp political offensive demanding a forensic audit and high-level inquiry.

What MPSC Said

MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar laid out a detailed timeline. The offline screening examination was conducted on 22 March 2026 across six centres in Maharashtra. Results were declared on 12 June 2026, and interviews for 488 eligible candidates were held between 1 and 22 July 2026. The general merit list was published on 22 July 2026.

A complaint was received on 21 July from an email ID attributed to one Gaurav Patil, alleging that the answer key and question paper for the 22 March exam had been leaked and had benefited a specific candidate. Since the complaint was vague, MPSC asked Patil for supporting evidence, which he submitted on 23 July, triggering a formal investigation.

Key Developments in the Inquiry

On 27 July, both the complainant and the candidate allegedly favoured by the leak were summoned to the Commission's office. Neither appeared. Later that evening, Patil sent an email stating he had lodged the complaint at the behest of his friend, Rishikesh Gangurde, who had failed the examination and reportedly wanted to create confusion. Patil claimed the chat exchanges cited as evidence were 'light-hearted banter' with no actual paper leak.

Harpalkar, however, said the Commission is treating the matter with full seriousness. 'By compiling the evidence submitted by the complainant, the candidate's statement, and emails from other complainants, we will be filing an official complaint with the police,' he said.

Opposition Allegations and Political Pressure

Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) [NCP (SP)] MLA Rohit Pawar alleged that question sets were circulated via WhatsApp on 20 March 2026 — two days before the exam — after recipients paid money. He claimed the sender used WhatsApp's 'Delete for Everyone' feature within two to three minutes, but one recipient forwarded the questions to a friend, leaving a digital trail. Pawar presented WhatsApp chat transcripts at a press conference and alleged that candidates were even instructed to deliberately answer around 10 questions incorrectly to avoid suspicion.

Pawar gave the government a 10-day ultimatum to act, warning of statewide protests if no steps are taken. He also raised concerns about MPSC's shift toward online exam formats and normalisation processes, arguing these undermine fairness.

Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar alleged that evidence of the leak was circulating on social media even before the exam. He drew a parallel with the NEET paper leak controversy at the national level, where the Central Education Minister had resigned amid protests, and criticised the Mahayuti government for what he called inaction. 'This is a betrayal of students' trust,' Wadettiwar said, demanding a high-level inquiry and action against those allegedly backing the brokers.

Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Sushama Andhare raised concerns about the original complainant's sudden silence, alleging that pressure may have been exerted on him. 'Was pressure put on that complainant? The fact that he suddenly stopped speaking — what does that mean?' she said, demanding that MPSC directors produce the complainant for a face-to-face discussion. She also called on Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene.

What Happens Next

MPSC has confirmed it will file a police complaint, consolidating evidence from multiple complainants. The Commission is also investigating whether any institutional failure allowed the alleged leak. With the merit list already published and interviews concluded, the outcome of the police inquiry could have significant implications for the Drug Inspector recruitment process and the candidates on the list. The political pressure from the MVA ensures the matter will remain in focus at the state legislature level as well.