IIT Baba Abhay Singh Detained in Jaipur for Possession of Marijuana, Released Shortly After

Abhay Singh, popularly known as IIT Baba, was briefly detained by Jaipur Police after he was found in possession of ganja (marijuana). The detention followed a police tip-off about him creating a ruckus at a hotel in the Riddhi Siddhi area. Upon investigation, officers recovered a small quantity of marijuana, leading to a case being registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

However, IIT Baba was released shortly after, as the amount of marijuana found was within the permissible legal limit.

IIT Baba’s Response

Following his release, Abhay Singh defended himself, claiming the ganja was "prasad", a common practice among ascetics. Speaking to the media, he said, "Almost every baba at Kumbh consumes ganja as prasad. Would they arrest all of them?" He further asserted that he identifies as an Aghori baba, a sect known for its unconventional practices, which include the use of intoxicants in rituals.

When asked further about the incident, IIT Baba dismissed the matter, stating, "It is my birthday, and I want to be happy today."

Who is IIT Baba?

Abhay Singh, an IIT Bombay alumnus and former aerospace engineer, rose to fame during the Maha Kumbh Mela. His transition from a promising engineering career to spirituality captivated the public. He described his shift as a pursuit of truth and knowledge, driven by a difficult childhood and strained family relationships.

Despite his academic background, Singh found solace in ascetic life, gaining attention through a viral interview that detailed his spiritual transformation.

The recent detention has reignited discussions about the intersection of spirituality and law enforcement, especially regarding the use of traditional intoxicants by sadhus and ascetics.