Abhay Singh, famously known as "IIT Baba", was arrested by the Jaipur police on March 2, 2025, for possession of ganja (marijuana) at a hotel where he was staying to celebrate his birthday. The incident came to light after law enforcement was tipped off about potential disturbances caused by Singh and rumors of him threatening to commit suicide.
The police acted swiftly, reaching the hotel located in the Riddhi Siddhi area of Jaipur, as described by SHO Rajendra Kumar Godara. Upon arrival, they discovered a small quantity of ganja, leading to Singh's arrest under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. "We received this information about him staying at a hotel and possibly committing suicide," SHO Godara remarked. "When we reached there, he said, 'I consume 'ganja', I still have it in my possession, and I might have said something when I was unconscious.'" This quote captures the circumstances surrounding Singh's state at the time of the arrest, indicating his acknowledgment of the substance's presence.
Following his arrest, Singh was interrogated but was granted bail shortly after since the amount of marijuana found was considered small. "Due to the small quantity, we interrogated him and then released him on bail," Godara added, highlighting the police's discretion according to the law.
Singh, who gained national notoriety during the Maha Kumbh Mela, claims to be on a quest for spirituality, believing the marijuana he uses is part of his religious practices. Reflecting on the incident, he pointed out, "Almost every baba at Kumbh consumes ganja as prasad. Would they arrest all of them?" This statement underlines his view on the traditional use of substances among ascetics, positing his actions within cultural norms rather than criminal behavior.
On his birthday after the release, Singh was seen enjoying tea and celebrating with followers, seemingly unfazed by the arrest. He was quoted saying, "It is my birthday, and I want to be happy today," emphasizing his desire to move on from the recent turmoil.
Abhay Singh's rise to fame is intriguing as it traces back to his transformation from a promising aerospace engineer at IIT Bombay to becoming "IIT Baba". His appearances at the Kumbh Mela and subsequent discussions on spirituality captured the public's imagination. His experiences demonstrate not just personal challenges, including strained family relationships and seeking solace through spirituality, but also highlight the crossroads of tradition and contemporary legal frameworks surrounding drug use.
This recent legal brush occurred days after Singh reported being assaulted during a television debate by saffron-clad individuals who allegedly attacked him with sticks. Following the confrontation, Singh filed complaints with the police but later withdrew them, showcasing the tensions often surrounding public figures like him—who provoke debate not only through their previous academic credentials but also their unconventional lifestyle choices.
His case brings to light the challenges faced by those who defy societal norms, particularly concerning drug use. The tradition of marijuana consumption among certain ascetic groups within India raises complex questions about legality versus cultural practices.
Reports indicate Singh will be called back for interrogation only if necessary, but for now, he remains free. His narrative reflects broader societal discussions on mental health, spirituality, and the acceptance of unconventional practices within legal structures. "It's important to view practices through cultural lenses rather than just laws," Singh seemed to advocate, standing at the intersection of tradition versus modern societal expectations.
Despite the recent controversy, Singh continues to draw interest, both as a figure representing the clash of modern and ancient practices, as well as someone whose life story remains compelling to his followers and the media alike. The merging of technology, spirituality, and legal ramifications as seen through Singh's experience invites continued discourse on acceptance and the laws governing individual expression.