College Dropout Arrested for Hiding Live Cartridges in IIT Powai Hostel Student’s Bag

Mumbai | Crime & Education Desk

In a serious security breach inside one of India’s premier educational institutions, Powai police have arrested a 23-year-old college dropout for allegedly hiding live ammunition in the bag of a first-year engineering student at IIT Bombay’s Powai campus.

The accused, identified as Anand Chaudhary, was apprehended on February 19 from within the IIT hostel premises after security officials recovered five 7.65 mm live cartridges from a student’s bag during a routine inspection. Chaudhary has been booked under provisions of the Arms Act and remanded to judicial custody while police continue to investigate the motive behind the act.

How the Incident Came to Light

According to police officials, the ammunition was discovered during a security check carried out after a scuffle broke out between two hostel residents. Security personnel, responding to complaints of alcohol consumption—strictly prohibited within hostel premises—conducted room inspections.

During the search of one hostel room, officials found five live cartridges concealed inside a black travel bag. Subsequent questioning revealed that the bag belonged to Apoorva Mishra, a first-year BTech student, who told authorities that the cartridges had been placed there by his childhood friend, Anand Chaudhary.

Accused Caught Inside Campus

Police said Chaudhary, who had arrived in Mumbai on February 12, was staying in the hostel as a guest. He was caught when he returned to the campus on February 19 to meet Mishra. IIT security detained him and later handed him over to Powai Police for further investigation.

Investigators stated that no firearm was recovered from the campus. However, the presence of live ammunition triggered immediate security concerns, prompting swift police action.

Police Probe Underway

During preliminary questioning, Mishra reportedly admitted he was aware of the cartridges but did not perceive them as a serious threat, allegedly citing familiarity with firearms in his hometown. Police have clarified that such explanations do not mitigate the seriousness of the offence, especially within a high-security educational campus.

Officials are now probing how Chaudhary procured the ammunition, whether it was legally owned, and what his intent was in bringing live cartridges into the hostel.

Institute Responds

In an official statement, IIT Bombay confirmed that the ammunition was brought onto campus by a visitor and not by a student. The institute said it conducted an internal inquiry before handing the matter over to the police and assured that disciplinary action would be taken in accordance with institutional rules.

Legal Action

An FIR has been registered under the Arms Act. Chaudhary was produced before a magistrate and remanded to custody. The students involved were questioned and released. Further investigation is ongoing.

Authorities have reiterated that any breach involving weapons or ammunition on educational campuses will be dealt with strictly, citing concerns over student safety and campus security.