Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Six Arrested in Alleged MPSC Drug Inspector Paper Leak
Six people were arrested because police suspect that a government job examination was leaked.
The test was for Drug Inspector jobs in Maharashtra and was held on March 22, 2026.
Police say some confidential questions were taken before the test and put into another question set.
They allege that the set was shared with candidates and other people.
Three of the arrested people worked for the commission that organized the examination.
A private coaching academy director and two other people were also arrested.
The commission received complaints that some candidates had seen questions before the examination.
It cancelled the recruitment process after a preliminary inquiry suggested that one candidate may have benefited.
A court ordered all six accused to remain in police custody until September 2 while the investigation continues.
One report also described a suspected relationship-related motive, but that angle remains part of the police investigation.
Mumbai Crime Branch arrested six people, including three MPSC officials and a coaching-institute director, over an alleged Drug Inspector exam paper leak.
Police allege that 294 confidential questions were accessed before the March 22, 2026, screening test, compiled into another set and circulated.
The alleged circulation chain involved MPSC officials, Kautilya Academy director Pravin Dilip Patil and other individuals, according to the FIR details.
The MPSC cancelled recruitment for 154 Drug Inspector, Group-B posts after complaints and a preliminary inquiry indicated that a candidate may have benefited.
A sessions court remanded all six accused to Crime Branch custody until September 2; investigators are examining digital evidence and possible wider involvement.
- Who
- Mumbai Crime Branch arrested MPSC officials Vishweshwar Dattatraya Nakate, Gopal Bhattu Marathe and Abhijit Ganpatrao Lendwe, along with Kautilya Academy director Pravin Dilip Patil and Amrut Namdeo Patil and Lokesh alias Gaurav Rajendra Patil.
- What
- An alleged theft, duplication and circulation of confidential questions from the MPSC Drug Inspector, Group-B screening examination.
- When
- The examination was held on March 22, 2026; complaints were received from July 22 to 26; the FIR was registered on August 25; and the arrests occurred on August 26. Police custody was ordered until September 2.
- Where
- The examination was held at six divisional headquarters across Maharashtra. The investigation is being conducted by the Mumbai Crime Branch.
- Why
- The inquiry followed allegations that some candidates received examination questions in advance and that the material was circulated through social media or other electronic means.
- Examination
- Drug Inspector, Group-B screening examination for Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration Department
- Examination date
- March 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. to noon
- Recruitment posts
- 154 Drug Inspector posts
- Candidates
- 506 candidates qualified for interviews; 488 interviews were conducted
- Alleged material
- Police and FIR details allege that 294 questions were accessed and compiled into a separate set
- Arrests and custody
- Six people were arrested on August 26 and remanded to police custody until September 2
- Recruitment status
- MPSC cancelled the recruitment process; News18 reported that a fresh examination would be held and previous applicants would not need to reapply or pay another fee
- Reported FIR location
- Articles identify the registration location differently as Cuffe Parade Police Station and Colaba Police Station
Sources
Drug Inspector Exam Paper Leak Uncovered; Love Affair Emerges As Key Angle, 6 Arrested
Drug inspector exam paper leak: Three MPSC officials among six held, sent to police custody till September 2
MPSC Drug Inspector Paper Leak Case: Mumbai Crime Branch Arrests 6, Including 3 Officials; Accused In Custody Till Sept 2