Mumbai’s Powai Police have arrested a 23-year-old college dropout for allegedly concealing live ammunition inside the bag of a first-year engineering student at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay hostel in Powai.
The accused, identified as Anand Chaudhary, was detained on February 19 from within the IIT-Powai hostel premises after security personnel discovered five 7.65 mm live cartridges inside a student’s bag during a routine inspection.
According to police officials, the ammunition was found in a black travel bag belonging to Apoorva Mishra, a first-year BTech student. Chaudhary, a friend of Mishra, had allegedly placed the cartridges in the bag earlier while staying at the hostel as a guest.
🔎 How the Incident Came to Light
The case surfaced after a scuffle broke out between hostel residents, prompting IIT security staff to intervene. During the inquiry, officials noticed signs of alcohol consumption — prohibited within the hostel — and decided to conduct room checks.
While inspecting a room, security personnel found the cartridges in the bag and immediately alerted the police. Chaudhary was later apprehended when he returned to the hostel to meet Mishra.
🧾 Police Investigation
Police said Chaudhary had arrived in Mumbai on February 12 and requested permission to stay at the hostel. During questioning, it was revealed that he had travelled to the city to meet his girlfriend and celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Investigators added that Mishra was allegedly aware of the presence of the cartridges but did not consider it serious, citing familiarity with such items in their hometown. However, police stressed that possession of live ammunition without authorisation is a serious offence.
Chaudhary has been booked under provisions of the Arms Act and has been remanded to judicial custody. Authorities are still probing the motive behind carrying and hiding the live cartridges on campus.
🏫 IIT Bombay’s Statement
In an official statement, IIT Bombay clarified that the ammunition was brought onto campus by a visitor and not by a student.
The institute said no firearm was recovered and that a detailed internal investigation was conducted before handing the matter over to the police. It also confirmed that disciplinary action would be initiated as per institutional rules.
Police officials stated that while the visitor remains in custody, the students involved were questioned and later released. The investigation is ongoing.
