Mahakumbh: 'IITian Baba' Abhey Singh Expelled From Akhara Following Row Over His Remarks

Abhey Singh, a former aerospace engineer from IIT Bombay, who has gained attention at Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh Mela, has reportedly been expelled from his akhara.

According to media reports, Singh, popularly known as the 'IITian Baba,' has been barred from entering the Juna Akhara camp and its vicinity for allegedly using abusive language against his Guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri.

Photo Credit: ANI

However, a member of the Juna Akhara claimed that Singh was never associated with them.

"He was defaming us," he told NDTV. "He was a vagabond, not a sadhu. He used to say anything on TV. He was thrown out."

The member further added, "He was not even a disciple of anyone."

'IITian Baba' Responds to Expulsion

The 'IITian Baba' has denied allegations of being ousted from the akhara. Speaking to a news channel on Friday, he accused seers at the akhara of spreading false rumours about him.

"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," said Singh, who has over 300,000 followers on Instagram.

Singh, also referred to as 'Engineer Baba,' is a 36-year-old resident of Haryana. He claims to have left science to pursue spirituality.

"Science helps explain the physical world, but its deeper study inevitably leads one towards spirituality. A true understanding of life ultimately brings one closer to spirituality," he had stated while engaging with devotees at the Maha Kumbh.

Singh claims to have completed an aerospace engineering degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.

Abhey Singh's Traumatic Past

In an interview with NDTV this week, Abhey Singh spoke candidly about the difficult experiences in his family that shaped his spiritual path.

"There was a mental health issue," he said hesitantly when asked about his childhood.

"The traumatic incident of domestic violence in my childhood had a significant effect on me," he shared.

When asked if he had directly experienced domestic violence, Singh clarified, "Not directly, but my parents used to fight amongst themselves, which affects the child."

"During my school days, I'd come home at 5 or 6 pm and go straight to sleep to escape the chaos. I'd wake up at midnight when everything was quiet and no one was getting into fights, lock my door, and study in peace," Singh recounted.

He described the "helplessness" he felt as a child witnessing his parents' arguments. "As a child, you don't understand what's happening, and you don't know how to react. Your mind isn't developed enough. You're just helpless," he said.

When asked if this childhood trauma influenced his decision not to marry, the 'IITian Baba' chuckled and admitted, "Exactly. I thought, why get married and face the same fights and conflicts that I saw in my childhood? It's better to live alone and have a peaceful life."