The Shocking Discovery at IIT Bombay Hostel

In a startling security lapse at one of India's premier engineering institutions, five live 7.65 mm cartridges were seized from a hostel room at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) in Powai, Mumbai. The incident, uncovered during a routine hostel check on February 19, 2026, has triggered an immediate heightening of security measures across the sprawling 550-acre campus and raised serious questions about access controls and vigilance in higher education facilities.

The cartridges, marked 'KF 7.65' and encased in yellow metal jackets, were found concealed inside a cleaning brush within a black bag in Room No. 93 of Hostel 1. This discovery came amid a verbal altercation between first-year BTech students Suraj Dubey and Apoorva Mishra, reportedly over a financial dispute. Hostel security personnel intervened after detecting the smell of alcohol—a strict violation of IIT Bombay's hostel rules prohibiting consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or narcotics on campus.

Initial investigations point to no firearm being present, but the presence of live ammunition alone has alarmed authorities, prompting Powai Police to register an FIR under the Arms Act and arrest the prime suspect.

Timeline of Events: From Dispute to Discovery

The sequence began on February 12 when the suspect visited the campus and allegedly left the bag with the cartridges in Dubey's room 'to show off.' Dubey claimed ignorance, stating the bag belonged to Mishra, who in turn implicated the visitor. Security's intervention during the late-night quarrel on February 19 led to a room search, unearthing the ammunition hidden cleverly to evade detection.

• February 12: Suspect visits IITB, places bag in hostel room.
• February 19 (early hours): Student argument; security checks rooms due to alcohol suspicion.
• Cartridges recovered; senior officials notified.
• Suspect returns to campus; detained and arrested same day.
• Remanded to custody till February 24 for interrogation.

Powai Police Senior Inspector Datta Nalawade confirmed, 'Preliminary findings suggest the cartridges were procured from Munger in Bihar.' This timeline underscores how a minor infraction escalated into a major security concern.

Profile of the Suspect: Anand Chaudhary from Bihar

The arrested individual, Anand Chaudhary (also referred to as Sarvottam Anand Satishchandra Chaudhary), is a 23-year-old college dropout residing in Samastipur, Bihar. Not an IIT Bombay student, Chaudhary had unauthorized access to the hostel, visiting friends and leaving the incriminating bag behind. During interrogation, he confessed to purchasing the cartridges in Munger—a district infamous for its cottage industry of country-made pistols (kattas) and illegal arms manufacturing.

Munger's gun trade, historically supplying criminals across states, has evolved from rudimentary kattas to sophisticated replicas, often smuggled via trains or personal carriers. Police are now tracing the supply chain, questioning if this was an isolated 'show-off' act or indicative of broader trafficking.Explore career advice for secure campus environments at AcademicJobs.com

Bihar's Illegal Arms Nexus: Munger's Dark Legacy

Bihar, particularly Munger, remains a hotspot for illicit firearms production. Known as the 'arsenal of Bihar,' Munger's villages like Vardha have long crafted kattas, revolvers, and even AK-47 replicas, supplying gangs nationwide. Recent busts, such as a mini-gun factory in Bhagalpur, highlight ongoing proliferation despite crackdowns.

The 7.65 mm cartridges match those commonly produced there, raising fears of easy interstate smuggling into urban centers like Mumbai. Experts note that economic distress and lax enforcement fuel this underground economy, posing risks to educational hubs.News18 report on the seizure

Police Investigation: Unraveling Motive and Network

Powai Police have remanded Chaudhary for two days, probing motive—no criminal intent evident yet, but 'showcasing' ammunition suggests bravado. Mishra and Dubey are witnesses; no charges against students so far. Focus: Bihar supply chain, potential accomplices, CCTV footage review.

DCP Zone VII Datta Nalawade stated, 'We are investigating if there's a larger network or just personal possession.' Ballistics tests ongoing to trace origin.AcademicJobs Mumbai higher ed opportunities

Photo by Pranav Dharlapudi on Unsplash

IIT Bombay's Swift Response and Enhanced Security

IIT Bombay immediately bolstered security: Increased patrols, bag checks at gates, visitor verification. Hostel 1 placed under vigil. Dean of Students Affairs convened meeting; internal inquiry launched per UGC safety guidelines mandating counseling systems, CCTV, and emergency protocols.

Alcohol ban strictly enforced; violations lead to fines/eviction. IIT's Security Section emphasizes ID cards, locked rooms, no outsiders post-10 PM.

History of Security Challenges at IIT Bombay

IITB has faced issues: 2025 intruder Bilal Teli posed as PhD student for 14 days, creating fake emails; ex-student filmed hostels; multiple suicides from terraces. Drugs/alcohol common despite bans. No prior weapons seizures reported, highlighting vulnerability.

• 2025: Fake student resided 14 days undetected.
• Oct 2025: Alumnus filmed boys' hostel washrooms.
• Recent suicides underscore mental health needs alongside physical security.

Campus Security Landscape in Indian IITs and Universities

Premier institutes like IITs face unique risks: Outsiders posing as students, ragging, protests, mental health crises. UGC guidelines (2015, updated) stress safe campuses: 24/7 CCTV, trained guards, anti-ragging cells, POSHAN apps for safety.

Stats: 20% colleges report security gaps; drugs prevalent in 15% hostels (AICTE survey). Solutions: Biometric access, AI surveillance, regular audits.Related: International campuses security

Stakeholder Perspectives: Students, Faculty, Experts

Students express shock: 'Feels unsafe now,' per anonymous X posts. Faculty urge stricter visitor logs. Security expert Prof. R.K. Singh: 'IITs need armed guards, metal detectors at hostels.' Parents demand transparency.NDTV X post on trending reactions

Govt: MHA monitoring; Bihar Police alerted for Munger raids.

Implications and Future Outlook

This breach exposes vulnerabilities in balancing open campuses with safety. Potential reforms: AI threat detection, police outposts, student-led vigilance. Long-term: Integrate security training in curricula.Secure faculty roles at top IITs via AcademicJobs

Photo by Piyanshu Sharma on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for Safer Campuses

• Enforce biometric entry/exit.
• Regular unannounced checks.
• Mental health support to curb risky behaviors.
• Collaborate with local police.

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