Tukaram Mundhe, a senior IAS officer, has been designated as the Secretary of a five-member high-level inquiry panel formed on 11 October 2026 to examine allegations regarding the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) paper leak and administrative improprieties. The panel is under the leadership of retired Bombay High Court judge Dilip Bhosale. This committee’s formation comes in light of significant unrest among competitive exam candidates regarding integrity issues within the MPSC.

Context of the Paper Leak Allegations

The controversy ignited following an 11-day protest by aspirants for competitive examinations at the SM Joshi Bridge in Pune, concluding on 11 October 2026. The immediate catalyst for this widespread agitation was the alleged malpractice during the Drug Inspector recruitment screening exam conducted on 22 March 2025/2026. Complaints were amplified when leaks surfaced on social media, suggesting that the examination question papers were circulated on 20 March—just two days before the exam date. In response to the uproar, the MPSC decided to cancel the entire recruitment proceeding for Drug Inspectors.

Participants in the protests contended that there is a systemic issue permeating the MPSC. Prior to the protests, the state government had already ended the deputation of MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar, further escalating the situation. Students also called for the resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar. To quell the unrest, the Maharashtra government established this committee, later necessitating Bhimanwar to take enforced leave pending the investigation’s outcome.

The inquiry led by Mundhe has a strict 60-day timeframe to conduct a comprehensive review of the MPSC’s examination framework. The committee will investigate all involved personnel, including upper management and lower-tier staff, and formulate substantial reforms required to restore the credibility of state recruitment processes.

Rationale Behind Mundhe’s Appointment

Mundhe, currently serving as the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Maharashtra, was reportedly requested for inclusion on the committee by both protesting aspirants and political figures. He is recognised as a diligent and principled bureaucrat, known for decisively addressing corruption throughout his career. This reputation has made him a key figure in the eyes of the protesting candidates and opposition leaders, including NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar, who insisted on his involvement in the investigation.

Students expressed confidence in Mundhe’s ability to grasp their challenges due to his own background, having cleared the UPSC exam after significant hardships. His history of strict adherence to protocols and rigorous anti-corruption measures has contributed to a strong public perception that he possesses the resolve to conduct an impartial investigation into the MPSC’s operations.

Political figures and aspirants alike have reiterated faith in his commitment to ensuring accountability within the commission, believing that he will not yield to any external pressures throughout the investigation process.

Legal Framework for Mundhe’s Role

Mundhe’s legal capacity to lead the MPSC investigation stems from his ability to manage this additional responsibility while retaining his role at the FDA. In the Indian administrative framework, IAS officers are often tasked with high-level investigation panels alongside their existing roles. His designation as Secretary of this committee is a temporary dual responsibility.

Although the panel is chaired by Judge Dilip Bhosale, Mundhe’s inclusion has been specifically intended to function as the operational backbone of the inquiry. His role assigns him significant authority to examine MPSC’s internal operations, access restricted state data, and engage staff in the investigation.

The initial protests primarily arose over the paper leak associated with the Drug Inspector recruitment exam. With the FDA being directly involved, Mundhe’s participation aims to ensure that the regulatory body most affected by the alleged malpractice is integral to the rehabilitation of the recruitment process. Negotiations with government representatives secured his independence in addressing the investigation without potential bureaucratic hindrances.

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