IIT Bombay Guest Arrested After Live Cartridges Found in Student's Hostel Bag
In a startling security breach at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Powai police have arrested a 23-year-old college dropout, Anand Chaudhary, from inside the IIT-Powai hostel premises. The arrest, made on February 19, stems from allegations that Chaudhary stored five 7.65 mm live cartridges in the bag of his friend, Apoorva Mishra, a first-year BTech student.
Discovery During Routine Security Check
The incident came to light following a dispute between hostel residents, which prompted IIT security officials to conduct searches for alcohol bottles. Security sub-inspector Amod Karanje (49) detailed in his complaint that on February 19 at 1:30 PM, an argument erupted between students Suraj Dubey and Aman over a monetary issue in Hostel No. 1. Upon intervention, officials noticed signs of alcohol consumption and decided to inspect the rooms.
During the search of Dubey's Room No. 93, security personnel, including KP Sahu from vigilance and QRT team members, examined a black Safari bag on the bed. They discovered five live cartridges in the front pocket. Dubey informed them that the bag belonged to his friend Mishra, who then revealed that Chaudhary, a resident of Samastipur in Bihar, had brought the cartridges when he visited Mumbai on February 12.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Chaudhary was apprehended by IIT security officials when he arrived to meet Mishra on February 19. After questioning, he was handed over to the police and has been remanded in custody until Monday under provisions of the Arms Act. Police are actively investigating the motive behind Chaudhary's possession of the live cartridges.
According to police statements, Chaudhary traveled to Mumbai to meet his girlfriend and celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14. He arrived two days earlier and stayed with Mishra in the hostel as a guest. Mishra, aware of the bullets in his bag, reportedly did not consider it serious, as such items are common in their hometown in Uttar Pradesh. Chaudhary, along with his girlfriend and Mishra, went out for a movie and dinner before the incident unfolded.
Institute Response and Disciplinary Actions
In an official statement, IIT-Bombay administration confirmed that the bullets were brought to the campus by a visitor of a student. The institute emphasized that the discovery occurred during a standard security process after a physical altercation in the hostel. A detailed internal investigation was conducted by the chief security officer, and the case was subsequently handed over to the police.
The administration stated that disciplinary action will be taken as per institute procedures. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed, and Chaudhary was presented before a judge and sent to judicial custody. The involved students were questioned by police and released, with the matter now pending with Powai Police for further investigation.
This incident highlights ongoing security concerns at educational institutions and underscores the importance of vigilance in hostel premises. Authorities continue to probe the circumstances to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
