Pune: MPSC Paper Leak Protest Called Off; Chairman Bhimanwar Goes on Leave

Reported by Mubarak Ansari

Pune, 12th October 2026: The 12-day protest in Pune demanding the resignation of Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar over the alleged examination paper leak has been temporarily called off following discussions between students and Minister Shivendra Raje. The state government has announced an inquiry into the matter and assured students that further action will be taken based on the committee’s findings.

Tukaram Mundhe has been appointed secretary of the inquiry committee, a key demand raised by protesting students to ensure a transparent investigation.

Bhimanwar announced on social media that the state government had decided to order a judicial inquiry into the alleged MPSC paper leak. Stating that he had always prioritised ethics, he said he had decided to go on leave until the inquiry was completed rather than continue in office during the investigation.

“The autonomy and credibility of the MPSC, along with the interests of students, have always been my priority and will continue to be so,” Bhimanwar said in his post.

Students warn of renewed protest if demands are not met

Vivekanand Patil, who emerged as one of the prominent faces of the agitation, criticised the government for taking several days to initiate discussions with the protesters.

“Had the government come forward for talks on the first day, the protest would have ended on the second day. It is unfortunate that the government took 10 days to wake up. The government should respond even if an ant dies,” Patil said.

Patil clarified that the agitation was not being permanently withdrawn but was being suspended in principle. He said the students had insisted on appointing Mundhe as the inquiry committee’s secretary to ensure that the investigation remained transparent, and the government had accepted their demand.

Despite the decision to suspend the protest, students maintained that their demand for Bhimanwar’s resignation remained unchanged. They also demanded that anyone found guilty in the inquiry be jailed and that no protection be extended to Abhay Wagh, whom they alleged was the mastermind behind the paper leak.

The protesters further demanded that the inquiry be completed within 60 days. Warning that they could resume the agitation if their demands were not met, Patil said, “I have already put my career on the line. If the inquiry is not completed within 60 days, I will return to the streets on the 61st day.”

The next course of action will depend on the progress and findings of the inquiry, as well as the government’s response to the students’ demands.