In a significant breakthrough, three suspects were arrested by the Pune Police in connection with an MPSC (Maharashtra Public Service Commission) exam paper scam that surfaced just days before the Group B Combined Preliminary Examination scheduled for February 2, 2024. Authorities were alerted after recordings of phone calls revealed attempts to extort Rs 40 lakh in exchange for providing candidates with the question paper and answers.
The MPSC examination authorities and police have confirmed that there is no evidence of the MPSC exam paper being leaked, reassuring students that the exam will proceed as scheduled without any issues.
The arrested suspects have been identified as:
Deepak Dayaram Gaidhane
Sumit Kailas Jadhav
Yogesh Surendra Waghmare, arrested in Nagpur,
Gaidhane and Jadhav, employed as technicians in Chakan, were reportedly making calls offering the MPSC Group B exam paper in exchange for the huge sum. They were promised a commission for their roles in contacting candidates.
A key figure, Yogesh Waghmare, allegedly masterminded the operation and provided a list of 24 candidates from Nashik, promising them the exam paper a day before the exam. The phone calls led to confusion and panic among candidates, but police have assured students that the exam paper was not compromised.
A case has been registered under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Maharashtra Competitive Examination (Unfair Means Prevention) Act, with the police continuing their investigation to uncover the entire scam network.
DCP Nikhil Pingale, leading the crime branch team, confirmed the arrests and mentioned, “We are investigating how the candidates’ mobile numbers were leaked and are pursuing further leads to identify other individuals involved.”
The police are working diligently to ensure that all individuals involved in the scam are caught, and have urged any students who received suspicious calls to report them immediately.
