IIT Graduate-Turned-Ascetic Abhay Singh Briefly Detained in Jaipur for Cannabis Possession

Jaipur, March 3, 2025 – Abhay Singh, popularly known as “IIT Baba,” who gained nationwide attention during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, was briefly detained by Jaipur police after a small quantity of cannabis (ganja) was found in his possession. Singh, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, left behind a promising career in aerospace engineering to pursue asceticism, drawing widespread public interest in his spiritual journey.

Incident Details

Authorities responded to reports of a disturbance at a hotel in Jaipur’s Riddhi Siddhi area, where Singh was staying. Upon their arrival, police found a minor amount of cannabis in his possession. Given the small quantity, Singh was detained for questioning and later released on bail. A case has been registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which governs drug-related offenses in India.

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Singh’s Response and Social Media Outcry

Following his release, Singh addressed the media and his followers on social media, insisting that the substance found was “prasad,” a term often used to describe offerings in religious contexts. He challenged what he perceived as selective enforcement of the law, stating, “Every seer has this prasad. If it’s illegal, then why not arrest all the saints who consumed it openly at the Maha Kumbh?”

Singh also took to Instagram Live before his detention, narrating his experience in real-time. “The police have arrived at the hotel. I have packed my belongings. An FIR is being registered,” he said. In his video, he appealed for legal assistance, calling upon Supreme Court and High Court lawyers to fight his case.

Dismissing rumors circulating online about his alleged suicide attempt, Singh called them “fake news” and emphasized that he had been granted bail promptly due to the small amount of cannabis found. “I have nothing left – no money, no contacts. But truth has no limitations,” he added.

A Journey from Academia to Spirituality

Abhay Singh’s transition from an IIT graduate to a spiritual figure has fascinated many. A former aerospace engineer, Singh gained prominence during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, where his story of renouncing material life for a spiritual quest captivated audiences. He has often spoken about his philosophical inclinations and the experiences that led him to asceticism.

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Singh has been a controversial yet widely followed figure, blending science and spirituality in his teachings. His unorthodox approach and active social media presence have made him one of the most talked-about modern ascetics.

Public Reaction and Legal Implications

Singh’s detention has triggered intense debates on social media, with many supporters questioning the legal system’s stance on cannabis, particularly its association with certain religious practices. Some argue that cannabis has historical and spiritual significance in Hindu traditions, especially among sadhus and ascetics who have used it for centuries. Others contend that laws must be followed uniformly, regardless of religious traditions.

Legal experts have weighed in on the matter, explaining that under the NDPS Act, possession of cannabis remains illegal in India, with penalties dependent on the quantity found. In Singh’s case, the amount was considered small, which led to his immediate release on bail. However, the law does not provide exemptions for religious or cultural use, making Singh’s defense difficult despite the long-standing tradition of cannabis consumption among ascetics.

A Controversial Figure and Media Scrutiny

Apart from his legal troubles, Singh has been a polarizing figure in the media. Just a few weeks ago, he was involved in a televised debate where a fellow panelist allegedly attacked him on air. The video of the incident went viral, further fueling discussions about his persona and the controversies surrounding him.

Singh has repeatedly accused mainstream media of bias, claiming that he has been unfairly targeted. “The media did this to me. No one is really supporting me. All these claims of solidarity are just for show,” he said, expressing his frustration with his portrayal in the press.

Conclusion: A Clash of Tradition and Law

The brief detention of Abhay Singh, or “IIT Baba,” has brought to light the ongoing clash between traditional practices and modern legal frameworks. His case has raised pertinent questions about how religious and cultural practices intersect with contemporary drug laws, and whether India’s legal system should consider religious customs in its approach to enforcement.

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As Singh continues to navigate this legal challenge, his case remains a subject of intense debate, reflecting broader conversations about spirituality, law, and the evolving role of ascetics in modern Indian society. Whether his arguments will hold up in court or lead to broader discussions on the legal status of cannabis in religious contexts remains to be seen.

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