'Paper Leak Happened Before I Took Charge', MPSC Chairman Says He Assumed Office After Incident Amid calls for resignation, Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar has said the question paper leak in the Drug Inspector (Group-B) examination occurred before he took charge. According to PTI, Bhimanwar, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the incident took place in January 2026, while he was appointed MPSC Chief on February 18 and assumed charge on March 3, 2026. "It is necessary to take into account the facts regarding the period of the incident," Bhimanwar said, referring to allegations being levelled against him over the paper leak. He said the commission is taking the purported question paper leak seriously and a complaint in this regard has also been lodged, with police investigating the issue. So far, police have detained seven persons, including a female candidate who had secured seventh rank in the exam, in connection with the case. According to Bhimanwar, MPSC has set up a high-level panel to recommend measures to prevent leaks and strengthen security, ensuring these incidents are not repeated. In addition, the state government has independently formed a committee to recommend necessary improvements in the overall examination process, he said. Bhimanwar said that his attention had focused on strengthening the credibility, transparency, efficiency and security of the commission's examination and recruitment processes since assuming charge. He added that numerous crucial amendments have been initiated to make the examination and recruitment system more robust and secure, especially in light of the commission being entrusted with increased recruitment responsibilities. "Safeguarding the commission's high traditions, impartiality and credibility, and providing millions of candidates a fair and equal opportunity, is my constitutional responsibility. I am committed to discharging this responsibility with complete transparency, impartiality and integrity," he said. Bhimanwar stated that elected representatives, candidates and citizens had every right to raise questions and articulate concerns regarding public examinations. "I welcome such questions in a democratic system. However, any serious allegation should be assessed only based on facts, official records and evidence.” However, he requested people not to turn sensitive issues concerning millions into “personal allegations or political controversies.” The demands for Bhimanwar's resignation intensified when allegations pertaining to his involvement in the paper leak surfaced online. The recruitment process for drug inspectors was initiated via an advertisement issued on July 29, 2025. The screening examination was held offline at six divisional headquarters across Maharashtra on March 22 this year. The result was declared on June 12, after which 506 candidates were found eligible for the interview stage, the commission had said earlier. Of these, 488 candidates appeared for interviews conducted between July 1 and 22. After completion of the interviews, the MPSC published a provisional general merit list comprising 488 candidates, including 485 candidates found eligible for appointment and three declared ineligible, it said.