Kalamboli: A major controversy surfaced during the ongoing police recruitment drive at the Navi Mumbai Police Headquarters in Kalamboli after four candidates were detained for allegedly attempting to use performance-enhancing substances. The incident occurred on March 9 when empty insulin syringes were found in their possession during the physical test process.

The recruitment drive is being conducted to fill 527 police constable posts and has attracted around 50,460 applicants. While candidates were undergoing physical measurements such as height and chest checks near the multipurpose hall, security personnel noticed suspicious behaviour from four aspirants. A search conducted by the officials led to the recovery of ‘BD U40 Insulin’ syringes with red caps and empty needles.

Although the syringes did not contain any liquid at the time of the search, their presence raised serious concerns about possible steroid or stimulant use to improve stamina during the demanding physical tests.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Sanjay Kumar Patil emphasized the department’s strict stance on fairness in recruitment. He said, “The police recruitment process is entirely transparent and based strictly on merit. Candidates attempting to use prohibited substances or any unfair means will not be spared. They will be permanently disqualified from the recruitment process and face strict legal consequences.”

To verify the use of banned substances, blood samples of the four candidates have been collected and sent to a forensic laboratory for examination. The accused have been identified as Akash Namdeo Pansare (21), Suyog Vilas Dhole (21), Sunil Baban Kaduskar (24), and Sanket Ramdas Dongre (30).

Kalamboli Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Under the supervision of Senior Police Inspector Rajendra Kote, further investigation is underway to trace the source of the syringes and determine whether a larger supply network is involved.