Abhay Singh, widely recognized as IIT Baba, gained popularity during the recent Maha Kumbh Mela. He was briefly detained in Jaipur after being found with ganja (marijuana).
Jaipur Police have filed a case against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. However, since the quantity of ganja in his possession was not considered commercial, he was granted bail upon furnishing bail bonds, according to the Jaipur Police Commissioner.
IIT Baba Abhay Singh Over Ganja Possession
Abhay Singh, also known as IIT Baba, was arrested by Jaipur Police on Monday from a hotel after being found with ganja (marijuana). The police took action after receiving reports that he had shared a post on social media indicating that he might attempt suicide.
According to the police, they were alerted by IIT Baba’s followers, who saw his social media post suggesting that he might harm himself. Concerned for his safety, officers from Shiprapath Police Station rushed to the hotel where he was staying.
Upon arrival, they found IIT Baba and questioned him. He admitted to consuming ganja and said that he still had some in his possession. He also mentioned that he might have posted something on social media while he was unconscious.
Since possessing ganja is illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the police arrested him. However, after interrogation, they determined that the amount of ganja he had was small and not of commercial quantity. Due to this, he was released on a bail bond after completing legal formalities.
Shiprapath Police Station’s SHO, Rajendra Godara, stated that IIT Baba might be called for further questioning if needed. While being taken into custody, IIT Baba briefly spoke to reporters and said, “I have nothing to say about it as of now. It’s my birthday, and I want to be happy today.”
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Alleged Attack on Abhay Singh During News Debate
On Friday, Abhay Singh claimed he was assaulted during a live debate on a private news channel in Noida.
In his police report, he alleged that a group of individuals dressed in saffron robes entered the newsroom, misbehaved with him, and attacked him with sticks. Following the incident, he staged a protest outside the Sector 126 police outpost but later withdrew it after discussions with the police.
Sector 126 Station House Officer (SHO) Bhupendra Singh confirmed that Abhay Singh eventually chose not to file a formal complaint.
Videos circulating on social media show ‘IIT Baba’ participating in a debate when a group of sadhus entered the studio, leading to a heated argument. As tensions rose, he attempted to leave, though the exact reason for the dispute remains unclear.
Penalties Under Section 20 of the NDPS Act
Section 20 of the NDPS Act specifies penalties for cannabis-related offences based on the quantity in possession:
- Small Quantity (up to 1 kg of ganja): Punishable by up to 1 year in prison, a fine of up to ₹10,000, or both.
- More than Small Quantity but Less than Commercial Quantity (1 kg to 20 kg): Can lead to up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
- Commercial Quantity (20 kg or more): Results in 10 to 20 years of imprisonment, with fines ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
These strict penalties aim to regulate cannabis possession and curb illegal drug activities.
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FAQs
Q.1. Who is IIT Baba, also known as Abhay Singh?
Ans. Abhay Singh, popularly called IIT Baba, gained fame during the Maha Kumbh Mela and is known for his spiritual teachings and debates.
Q.2. Why was IIT Baba arrested in Jaipur?
Ans. Jaipur Police arrested IIT Baba for possessing ganja, but he was later granted bail as the quantity was not considered commercial.
Q.3. What led to the altercation involving IIT Baba during a news debate?
Ans. Abhay Singh claimed that saffron-clad individuals attacked him during a debate in Noida, but he later withdrew his police complaint.
Q.4. Did IIT Baba attempt suicide?
Ans. Police acted after his followers reported a concerning social media post, but he was found safe at a hotel and later arrested for ganja possession.
Q.5. Will IIT Baba face further legal action?
Ans. Jaipur Police stated that he might be called for further questioning regarding the case under the NDPS Act.
