Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Thousands march in Pune over MPSC paper-leak controversy
Thousands of students and other people protested in Pune.
They want the head of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission to resign.
The protest followed a controversy involving a leaked examination paper.
The affected recruitment was for Drug Inspector, Group-B posts.
The commission cancelled that recruitment process after an inquiry found the paper had been leaked.
The exam had already taken place months earlier.
Protest organizer Nitin Andhale said the system must protect honest students.
The protesters also asked for a judicial inquiry and investigations into earlier exams.
Thousands marched in Pune on Monday demanding MPSC Chairperson Vivek Bhimanwar’s resignation.
Protesters sought 13 additional measures related to recent examination paper-leak controversies.
Students marched from Omkareshwar Temple to the District Collectorate and submitted demands to the Collector.
The MPSC cancelled the Drug Inspector, Group-B recruitment process after an inquiry found the examination paper had been leaked.
Organizer Nitin Andhale called for resignations, a high-level judicial inquiry, and investigations into earlier examinations.
- Who
- Thousands of protesters, including students, and organizer Nitin Andhale; they targeted Maharashtra Public Service Commission Chairperson Vivek Bhimanwar.
- What
- They demanded Bhimanwar’s resignation and pressed for 13 other measures over examination paper-leak controversies.
- When
- Monday; the Drug Inspector examination process was cancelled in August after the inquiry.
- Where
- Pune, with the march running from Omkareshwar Temple to the District Collectorate.
- Why
- Protesters said paper leaks and alleged official corruption were threatening the futures of students who had prepared for the examinations.
- Protest location
- Pune, Maharashtra
- March route
- Omkareshwar Temple to the District Collectorate
- Primary demand
- Resignation of MPSC Chairperson Vivek Bhimanwar
- Additional demands
- 13 other measures related to paper-leak controversies
- Affected recruitment
- Drug Inspector, Group-B posts in the Food and Drug Administration department
- Commission action
- The MPSC cancelled the recruitment process in August
- Requested investigation
- A high-level judicial inquiry and investigation of previous examinations