'IIT Baba' Refutes Claims Of Expulsion from Juna Akhara; Denies Mental Health Issues, Drug Use Allegations

Abhey Singh, who widely became popular as ' IIT Baba' for his remarkable journey from a distinguished engineering career to a spiritual path, has denied allegations that he was expelled from the 16 Madi Ashram of Juna Akhara during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

In a late-night interview with Aaj Tak on Friday, the aerospace engineer-turned-spiritual figure refuted claims of his sudden departure, accusing the seers at the ashram of spreading false rumours.

Photo Credit: ANI

"They spread wrong news about me," Singh stated.

"The operators of the Madi Ashram asked me to leave at night. Now they think I've become famous and might reveal something about them, so they're claiming I've gone for secret meditation. Those people are talking nonsense."

Reports suggested that Abhey Singh's parents had visited the 16 Madi Ashram searching for him, only to discover that he had already left. However, he clarified that he remained at the Maha Kumbh Mela and had not disappeared to any unknown location.

Other seers at the ashram had earlier told Aaj Tak that IIT Baba's frequent media interactions were affecting his mental health, leading to "inappropriate" comments. They also accused him of drug use, prompting Juna Akhara to ask him to leave the ashram.

Singh dismissed these allegations, questioning the credibility of those assessing his mental state. "Who are these psychologists who know my mental state better than me? They should know more than me to give me a certificate," he said, defending his well-being.

He also responded to claims by Someshwar Puri, a prominent seer from Juna Akhara, who had declared himself as IIT Baba's guru. Singh denied this, saying, "Who said he is my guru? I had already told him there is no guru-disciple relationship between us. Now that I've become famous, he's made himself my guru."

The IIT Baba's journey and presence at the Maha Kumbh Mela have brought him significant national attention.

Born into a Jat family in Haryana, Abhey Singh excelled academically, earning a degree in aerospace engineering from IIT Bombay. He later completed a master's degree in design and worked briefly in Canada for an aeroplane manufacturing company.

During the Covid-19 lockdown in Canada, Singh developed a deep interest in spirituality, which led him to return to India. He embraced an itinerant lifestyle, exploring spiritual centres such as Ujjain and Haridwar.

Although his family was initially supportive, they grew increasingly concerned about his spiritual pursuits, questioning his mental health and even involving the police on several occasions. Six months ago, Singh severed ties with his family and left home.

When asked about his son's choices, IIT Baba's father, Karan Singh, told Aaj Tak, "Whatever decision he took for himself is right for him. I don't want to put any pressure on him. He is a man of his own mind."