In a shocking breach of security, three activists entered the MPSC office in Navi Mumbai and blackened the face of Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar, protesting systemic paper leaks and recruitment irregularities.
- Three Sambhaji Brigade activists attacked MPSC Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar with black powder.
- The assailants gained entry under the pretext of presenting digital evidence of paper leaks.
- Political leaders including Rohit Pawar and Aaditya Thackeray are demanding immediate resignations.
Tensions escalated at the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) office on Friday when three alleged activists of the Sambhaji Brigade stormed the premises and blackened the face of Secretary Mahendra Harpalkar. The incident occurred around 12:30 PM on the 10th floor of the office building in Sector 11, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai.
According to the FIR filed by the CBD Belapur police, the accused—Shrikrishna alias Annasaheb Sawant, Suhas Laxman Rane, and Yogesh Shantilal Patil—threw black powder on the Secretary's face and body. The group allegedly shouted that MPSC officials were complicit in leaking examination papers and threatened those involved in the malpractice.
Investigation reveals a calculated plan; the trio had visited the office a day prior, claiming to possess digital evidence of the leaks. Having secured permission to bring their electronic devices, they returned on Friday, only to launch the attack. Police have since registered a case against the three individuals.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this violent outburst is a direct consequence of the erosion of institutional trust. When the youth, who represent the future administrative backbone of the state, perceive the recruitment process as rigged, the resulting desperation often bypasses legal channels. The SIT announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appears insufficient to calm a populace that views administrative probes as self-serving.
"When the custodians of meritocracy are accused of corruption, the psychological impact on millions of aspirants leads to a volatile atmosphere where law and order become secondary to anger."
The political fallout has been immediate. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar joined student protests in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, demanding the removal of both the Secretary and Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar. Similarly, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray met Governor Jishnu Dev Varma to demand a judicial inquiry into the allegations.
Historical Background: The MPSC has been plagued by recurring allegations of paper leaks and tender irregularities over the last few years. This has led to a cycle of exam postponements and massive student marches across cities like Pune and Mumbai, creating a persistent state of unrest among the state's academic community.
| Stakeholder | Stance/Demand |
|---|---|
| Sambhaji Brigade | Direct action as a reflection of public rage. |
| Opposition Parties | Judicial inquiry and immediate resignation of leadership. |
| State Government | SIT probe and warnings against deteriorating law and order. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was the MPSC secretary attacked?
The attackers alleged that the secretary and other officials were involved in the illegal leaking of examination papers.
2. What is the government's response to the paper leak claims?
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the malpractices.
