Abhay Singh, popularly known as “IIT Baba,” was briefly detained in Jaipur after police discovered a small amount of marijuana in his possession at a hostel in the Riddhi Siddhi area. The incident has sparked mixed reactions, highlighting the clash between traditional spiritual practices and modern drug laws.
Incident Details
Local police received a complaint about a disturbance at the hostel and promptly arrived at the scene. During their investigation, officers found a minor quantity of ganja (marijuana) on Singh. A case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. However, since the amount recovered fell within the legally permissible limit for personal use, Singh was released shortly after his detention.
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VIDEO | Amid reports of his arrest, Maha Kumbh fame Abhay Singh, alias ‘IIT Baba’ was seen celebrating his birthday with followers in Jaipur. pic.twitter.com/WhA8aTIUv2
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 3, 2025
जयपुर में शिप्रा पथ पुलिस ने IIT बाबा को पहले हिरासत में लिया कुछ देर बाद ही छोड़ा
जानकारी के मुताबिक बाबा के पास से मिला गांजा
कैफ़े में अपना बर्थ डे मना रहे थे बाबा #iitbaba pic.twitter.com/uCajg6JweY— Hemant Kumar (@hemantkumarnews) March 3, 2025
IIT Baba’s Defense
Following his release, Singh addressed the media with a characteristic mix of defiance and humor. “Mostly every baba consumes weed as a prasad. Would they arrest all of them?” he questioned, defending his actions as part of his spiritual customs as an Aghori baba. He further added that it was his birthday and he simply wanted to celebrate in his own way, downplaying the seriousness of the situation.
Who is IIT Baba?
Abhay Singh, better known as IIT Baba, is an alumnus of IIT Bombay and a former aerospace engineer who left a promising career to pursue a life of spirituality. His transformation from academia to asceticism first garnered widespread attention during the Maha Kumbh Mela, when a viral interview showcased his unconventional lifestyle and personal journey. Singh has openly discussed how strained family ties and the dismissal of his passion for photography contributed to his spiritual quest, making him a polarizing yet intriguing figure in contemporary India.
Public Reaction and Legal Perspectives
The incident has ignited a debate on social media, with some netizens sympathizing with Singh’s cultural and spiritual practices, while others question the appropriateness of his actions under current drug laws. Legal experts note that although the NDPS Act is stringent, the small volume of ganja involved does not warrant a harsh legal response. The case serves as a reminder of the complexities at the intersection of traditional customs and modern legal frameworks in India.
