MPSC Drug Inspector exam case: Seventh arrest in Nandurbar

The Mumbai Crime Branch arrested Rutuja Patil on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) from her residence in Nandurbar, taking the total number of arrests in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Drug Inspector examination paper leak case to seven.The investigation has expanded to examine property purchases made by one of the accused and possible links to other recruitment processes.Police took her for a medical examination and then transported her to Mumbai.The Crime Branch team visited Nandurbar three times over a period of six days for the investigation. Of the seven people arrested so far, three are officers associated with MPSC. The remaining accused are residents of Nandurbar district.Police obtained a document containing mobile phone messages exchanged between Ms. Rutuja Patil and Gaurav Patil. This document provided a line of inquiry for the investigation. Ms. Rutuja Patil had secured a position on the merit list of the examination. Gaurav Patil did not pass the examination.Mr. Gaurav Patil filed a complaint with MPSC regarding the paper leak after his relationship with Ms. Rutuja Patil deteriorated. Investigation records indicate that Ms. Gaurav Patil changed his statement during the process. Police proceeded with the investigation on the basis of the available evidence and the digital communication document.Gopal Marathe, an employee of MPSC, is a resident of Dahindule village in Nandurbar taluka. He is a student of Kautilya Academy. Investigators are examining whether similar examination papers or confidential information had been leaked earlier. They are also looking into whether other recruitment processes faced interference of this nature.Information available with the investigation team states that Gopal Marathe purchased properties in recent months. Investigators are examining whether these property transactions have a financial connection to the paper leak case. They are also checking whether money from the irregularity was used for these property purchases.The investigation team initially questioned Praveen Patil, the director of Kautilya Academy. Two days ago, the team arrived in Nandurbar at midnight with Amrut Patil and Ms. Rutuja Patil for questioning.The Mumbai Crime Branch team continues to conduct the investigation in Nandurbar. The team has not provided official information on the direction of the inquiry, the persons being questioned, or the evidence collected. Nandurbar has emerged as a location of repeated focus due to the case’s connections to the district. Published - September 02, 2026 07:13 pm IST