Pune recruitment-exam protesters suspend agitation after inquiry panel formed

Candidates for Maharashtra civil-service jobs suspended their protest in Pune late on October 11 after the state government established a panel to investigate alleged recruitment irregularities and examination-paper leaks.

Maharashtra Public Service Commission chairman Vivek Bhimanwar said he would take leave until the investigation was completed. Protesters had demanded his removal, and their representative Vivekanad Patil said the agitation was being called off for now.

Retired judge Dilip Bhosale will chair the inquiry committee, with senior civil servant Tukaram Mundhe serving as secretary. The panel also includes Laxmi Gautam, Ganesh Patil and retired judge P.D. Naik.

State minister Shivendra Raje Bhosale met the protesters and consulted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over their demands. The government also offered assurances on recruitment and other reforms.

The investigation concerns alleged irregularities. Formation of the panel does not establish that the allegations against the recruitment body have been proved.