The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj witnessed the emergence of an unlikely spiritual figure—Abhey Singh, an IIT Bombay alumnus turned ascetic, popularly known as ‘IIT Baba.’ His journey from being an aerospace engineer with a lucrative career abroad to embracing spirituality captivated thousands. However, his meteoric rise took a dramatic downturn when he was expelled from the Juna Akhara. Accusations of misconduct, including disrespecting his guru and inappropriate behaviour, led to his ousting. But what really transpired? Here’s a closer look at the controversy surrounding IIT Baba.
Who is Abhey Singh, aka ‘IIT Baba’?
Abhey Singh hails from Sasarouli village in Haryana and was a bright student who secured admission to IIT Bombay after reportedly achieving an All-India Rank (AIR) of 731 in the IIT JEE 2008 exam. He pursued aerospace engineering and later moved to Canada, where he earned a salary of Rs 36 lakh per annum. Despite his professional success, Singh struggled with mental health issues, which he claimed stemmed from a traumatic childhood marked by domestic violence.
Seeking solace and deeper meaning in life, he abandoned his corporate career and returned to India to embark on a spiritual journey. During his academic years, he had already shown an inclination towards philosophy, studying Postmodernism, Socrates, and Plato to explore existential questions. Over time, his spiritual quest led him to the Juna Akhara, one of the most prominent ascetic orders in Hinduism.
For the past six months, Singh has severed contact with his family, who now rely on social media for updates about his life. His unique journey and viral interviews at the Maha Kumbh Mela earned him a massive following, with over a lakh Instagram follower eager to glimpse his spiritual path.
Why Was IIT Baba Expelled?
The Juna Akhara expelled Abhey Singh on grounds of serious misconduct. According to Mahant Hari Giri, the chief patron of the akhara, Singh violated the sacred guru-shishya (master-disciple) tradition by using abusive language towards his guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri. Disrespecting one’s guru is considered a severe transgression in the Sanatan Dharma tradition, and Singh’s actions were deemed unacceptable by the Akhara’s leadership.
Adding to the controversy, Singh allegedly made derogatory remarks about his father, referring to him as “Hiranya Kashyap” in a social media post. He also called his guru “pagal” (mad), sparking outrage among seers. Some ascetics within the Akhara further accused him of being influenced by excessive media attention, which they claimed was affecting his mental state and resulting in inappropriate behaviour.
There were also allegations of drug use, which intensified concerns about his conduct. Following an internal review, the Akhara’s disciplinary committee decided that Singh’s continued presence was incompatible with its principles, leading to his expulsion. He is now barred from entering the Akhara’s premises unless he demonstrates respect for its values and adheres to its discipline.
IIT Baba’s Response
Abhey Singh, however, has vehemently denied these allegations. In an interview with India Today, he accused his detractors of spreading false rumors to tarnish his reputation. According to him, his growing popularity at the Kumbh Mela made others uncomfortable, prompting them to fabricate reasons for his removal.
“They think I’ve become famous and that I might expose something about them, so they’re claiming I’ve gone for secret meditation. Those people are talking nonsense,” Singh stated, insisting that he remains part of the religious gathering.
He also refuted the claims of having a guru-disciple relationship with Mahant Someshwar Puri, arguing that the guru had self-proclaimed the role after Singh gained prominence. Furthermore, he dismissed concerns about his mental health, questioning the credibility of those making such claims.
The expulsion of ‘IIT Baba’ from the Juna Akhara has sparked widespread debate. While the Akhara maintains that Singh’s behaviour was in direct violation of its discipline and traditions, the expelled seer argues that his fame has made him a target of internal politics. As the controversy unfolds, Singh continues to challenge the claims against him, refusing to fade into obscurity. Whether he will regain his standing or choose an independent spiritual path remains to be seen, but his journey—from aerospace engineer to viral ascetic—has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.
(With inputs from agencies)
