The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested four more accused in connection with the alleged question paper leak of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Drug Inspector examination, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 11.

The latest arrests include two candidates and two alleged intermediaries. The arrested candidates have been identified as Sajid Sande and Vijay Kingar. Sande was arrested from Sangli, while Kingar was detained from Buldhana.

According to the investigation, two alleged intermediaries, Sandeep Khalate and Bhairavnath Kadam, were arrested from Navi Mumbai.

Investigation Into Examination Confidentiality

The investigation has allegedly revealed violations related to the confidentiality and fairness of the MPSC examination. The SIT is also examining allegations that official duties were misused to illegally access, obtain and exchange question papers for financial gains.

Earlier Arrests in the Case

Earlier, the authorities had arrested former Under Secretary Abhijit Lendwe, Assistant Chamber Officers Vishweshwar Nakate and Gopal Marathe, Kautilya Academy Director Pravin Patil, alleged intermediaries Amrit Patil and Lokesh alias Gaurav Patil, and candidate Rituja Patil.

With the latest four arrests, the total number of accused arrested in the case has reached 11. The SIT is continuing its investigation and is also examining the possible involvement of other individuals in the alleged question paper leak.

MPSC Candidates Had Protested in Pune

The alleged paper leak had earlier triggered anger among MPSC aspirants. On September 7, thousands of candidates took to the streets in Pune, demanding greater transparency in the functioning of the commission. They also demanded the removal of commission chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.

Alleged Leak Came to Light After Personal Dispute

The investigation into the alleged paper leak took an unusual turn when information about the alleged leak reportedly reached the MPSC following a personal dispute.

According to the Crime Branch, 24-year-old Lokesh alias Gaurav Patil was allegedly a recipient of the leaked question paper and had received it from his then-girlfriend, Rituja Patil, before the examination held on March 22.

Police allege that after the two separated, Patil contacted the MPSC and informed the commission about the alleged leak. According to the investigation, he was concerned that Rituja Patil would move ahead after securing a government job.

The Crime Branch is continuing to investigate the entire chain through which the question paper was allegedly accessed and circulated. The role of candidates, alleged intermediaries and other individuals connected with the case is also being examined.