Security Scare at IIT Bombay: Five Live Cartridges Found in Hostel Room, Bihar Angle Probed
Panic gripped the hostel premises of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Powai) late on February 19, 2026, after five live 7.65 mm cartridges were recovered from a student’s bag during a security check following a minor dispute over money. This alarming discovery has raised serious concerns over campus security and hinted at a potential illegal ammunition supply network.
Incident Overview
The incident began when a verbal altercation broke out between two students, Suraj Dubey, a first-year B.Tech student residing in Room No. 93, and Aman, a resident of Room No. 89, over a financial transaction. The dispute occurred around 1:30 am on February 19, prompting a response from the Quick Response Team and Security Sub-Inspector Amod Ramdas Karanje, who was on night duty.
Initial Response
Upon arriving at the scene, security personnel managed to calm both students. However, during their interaction, they detected the smell of alcohol emanating from Suraj Dubey and his friend Apoorv Mishra. Given that alcohol is strictly prohibited within the hostel premises, the authorities decided to conduct a search of their rooms in accordance with institutional rules.
Discovery of Live Cartridges
During the search of Suraj Dubey’s room, a black bag was found, which upon inspection contained five live yellow-metal cartridges marked “KF 7.65.” The estimated value of the seized cartridges is around ₹3,500. When questioned about the bag, Suraj Dubey claimed it did not belong to him but to his friend Apoorv Mishra.
Link to Bihar
Upon further interrogation, Apoorv Mishra revealed a startling connection. He stated that the cartridges belonged to his friend, Sarvottam Anand Satishchandra Chaudhary, a 23-year-old resident of Samastipur, Bihar. Apoorv mentioned that Sarvottam had visited IIT Powai on February 12 and had kept the live cartridges inside the bag at that time.
Detention and Investigation
On February 19, when Sarvottam Chaudhary returned to the campus, he was detained for questioning. During the interrogation, he allegedly admitted to purchasing the 7.65 mm cartridges from Munger in Bihar. Following the recovery of the cartridges, Security Sub-Inspector Amod Karanje handed over the live ammunition to the police station, leading to the registration of a case against Sarvottam Anand Chaudhary under relevant sections pertaining to illegal possession and transportation of ammunition.
Security Implications
The recovery of live ammunition from the hostel of one of the country’s premier technical institutions is being viewed as a serious security lapse. Police are now investigating the motive behind bringing the cartridges onto the campus, whether there was any criminal conspiracy involved, and if the incident is linked to a wider illegal arms supply network.
Increased Security Measures
In response to this incident, security measures at IIT Powai have been further tightened. The administration has emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe environment for students and has initiated a thorough probe into the matter to prevent any future occurrences.
Conclusion
The incident at IIT Bombay serves as a stark reminder of the potential security risks present in educational institutions. With the involvement of illegal ammunition and the link to a specific region in Bihar, authorities are compelled to take stringent actions to ensure the safety of the campus community.
Note: The situation is still developing, and further updates are expected as investigations continue.
