March 2025, Jaipur’s tranquil ambiance was momentarily disrupted by the arrest of Abhay Singh, widely recognized as ‘IIT Baba.’ This 35-year-old ascetic, who transitioned from an esteemed Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay graduate to a spiritual figure, found himself at the center of a legal predicament involving the possession of ganja (marijuana).
The sequence of events unfolded when Jaipur’s Shiprapath police received alarming information suggesting that Singh might be contemplating self-harm. This concern was reportedly based on his recent social media activity, which hinted at such intentions. Acting promptly, law enforcement officials located Singh at a hotel in the Riddhi Siddhi area. Upon their arrival, Singh openly admitted to consuming ganja and acknowledged having it in his possession. A subsequent search confirmed the presence of a small quantity of the substance.
Rajendra Godara, the Station House Officer (SHO) of Shiprapath Police Station, elaborated on the situation, stating, “We received information that he (Baba Abhay Singh aka IIT Baba) was staying in a hotel and might commit suicide. When we reached there, he said that he consumes ganja, still has it in his possession, and might have said something when he was unconscious. Possession of ganja is a crime under the NDPS Act. So, we arrested him… Due to the small quantity, we have interrogated him and then released him on a bail bond.”
Abhay Singh’s journey from academia to asceticism is both intriguing and unconventional. An alumnus of IIT Bombay, he initially pursued a career in aerospace engineering. However, his quest for deeper meaning led him to embrace spirituality, culminating in his emergence as ‘IIT Baba’ during the Maha Kumbh Mela. His unique background, blending rigorous scientific education with spiritual pursuits, garnered significant attention and a following among those intrigued by his path.
Following his detention, Singh addressed the media, downplaying the severity of the incident. He remarked, “I have nothing to say about it as of now. It’s my birthday, and I want to be happy today.” This statement coincided with his birthday celebrations, during which he was seen cutting a cake near the hotel premises, surrounded by well-wishers.
Singh defended his possession of ganja by linking it to his spiritual practices. He claimed that the substance was ‘prasad’ (a sacred offering) and emphasized that many ascetics consume it as part of their rituals. He questioned the rationale behind his detention, suggesting that if such practices were grounds for arrest, many spiritual practitioners would be similarly implicated.
The police, after verifying that the quantity of ganja was within permissible limits, released Singh on bail. They noted that while possession of any amount of ganja is illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the small quantity in Singh’s case warranted a bail release. However, they indicated that he could be summoned for further interrogation if necessary.
This incident is not Singh’s first brush with controversy. Just days prior, he alleged an assault during a televised debate in Noida. According to his complaint, individuals dressed in saffron attire entered the studio and attacked him with sticks. Following the altercation, Singh staged a protest outside a local police outpost but later withdrew it after discussions with law enforcement officials.
The convergence of Singh’s academic achievements and his spiritual journey has always been a topic of public fascination. His recent legal entanglements have further amplified discussions about the intersection of traditional practices and modern law. As ‘IIT Baba’ continues his path, he remains a polarizing figure, embodying the complexities of contemporary spirituality in India.
In conclusion, the arrest and subsequent release of Abhay Singh highlight the nuanced challenges faced by individuals straddling diverse worlds. As authorities navigate the legal aspects of such cases, the broader discourse on cultural practices, legality, and personal freedoms continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic tapestry of Indian society.
