Two Emails, A Leak Claim: Inside The MPSC Drug Inspector Row

The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has put the final recruitment process for Drug Inspector posts on hold following allegations of a question paper leak, pending the outcome of a police investigation. The decision affects 488 candidates included in the provisional merit list for 154 Group B Gazetted Drug Inspector vacancies in the state's Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the Commission has stated that it has found no evidence that its original examination paper was leaked, it has referred the matter to the police for an independent inquiry.

The recruitment process came under scrutiny after NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar alleged that the examination paper had been leaked and called for an immediate investigation. He claimed that the individual responsible for preparing the question paper had been compromised, raising concerns about the integrity of the recruitment process. The allegations prompted the Commission to suspend final appointments until the investigation determines whether the examination was affected.

The recruitment drive, announced in July 2025, attracted nearly 44,500 applicants for the 154 vacancies. The written examination was conducted on March 22, 2026, at centres across Maharashtra's six revenue division headquarters. Results were declared on June 12, after which 506 candidates qualified for interviews. The interview process was conducted between July 9 and July 22, and the Commission subsequently published a provisional merit list containing 488 candidates.

Also Read: Tejasvi Surya Takes Aim At Congress With ‘Delulu’ Remark On Paper Leak Bill

MPSC officials have maintained that, based on the Commission's internal assessment, there is no evidence to suggest that the original examination paper was leaked. However, they said that final recruitment cannot proceed until the police complete their investigation. According to officials, the inquiry will determine whether the examination was actually compromised or whether false allegations were deliberately circulated to mislead candidates and create unnecessary confusion.

Authorities have not announced a timeline for the completion of the police probe, leaving successful candidates uncertain about when the recruitment process will resume. Until the investigation concludes, appointments to the Drug Inspector posts will remain suspended. Officials have emphasised that the Commission will act based on the findings of the investigation before taking any further decisions regarding the recruitment.

The case highlights the continued sensitivity surrounding recruitment examinations and allegations of paper leaks, which have become a major concern in several states. The outcome of the police investigation is expected to determine whether the recruitment process can proceed as planned or whether additional action, including possible re-examination or legal proceedings, will be required. Until then, the final selection of candidates for the Drug Inspector posts will remain on hold.

Also Read: Abhishek Banerjee Criticises Repeated Exam Paper Leak Controversies