Why Maha Kumbh Mela’s viral IIT Baba has been expelled from his akhara

Among the most talked-about personalities at Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh 2025, Abhey Singh, an IIT Bombay alumnus, rose to fame as the “IIT Baba.” His journey from being an aerospace engineer to embracing spirituality fascinated many, earning him widespread attention.

However, his meteoric rise has taken a dramatic turn. The Juna Akhara has expelled the seer, accusing him of breaching its strict code of discipline and using abusive language towards his guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri—a serious offence in the Guru-Shishya tradition.

Abhey Singh, however, has firmly denied any wrongdoing and accused his fellow seers of spreading rumours about him.

So, what led to this controversy? Here’s a deeper look into the events that unfolded.

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But first, who is Abhey Singh aka ‘IITian Baba’?

Abhey Singh is an aerospace engineering graduate from IIT Bombay, who left behind a promising career to embark on a spiritual journey.

Hailing from Sasarouli village in Haryana, he originally pursued a conventional academic path, excelling in his studies and later working in Canada with an impressive salary of Rs 36 lakh per annum.

Singh claimed that he battled with depression in the foreign country. His mental health issues made him want to search for meaning in life and question the role of the mind. Thus, he said that he quit his high-paying job and travelled to India to learn spirituality.

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In an interview with NDTV, Singh revealed how suffering from a troubled childhood and witnessing traumatic domestic violence at home had a “significant effect” on him and shaped his spiritual path.

“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 said.

He spoke of the helplessness he felt as a child, watching his parents fight. “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.

Reports suggest Singh achieved an All India Rank (AIR) of 731 in the IIT JEE 2008 exam, although this remains unverified. He secured admission to IIT Bombay, a top choice among high JEE rankers.

While pursuing engineering, he explored philosophy through courses on Postmodernism, Socrates, and Plato to better understand the “meaning of life.”

For the past six months, Singh has cut off contact with his family, leaving them reliant on social media for updates about his life. On Instagram, he has amassed over a lakh followers, sharing glimpses of his spiritual journey.

At the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Singh’s unique story captured widespread attention, with a viral interview catapulting him to overnight sensation.

Meet IITian Baba at the Maha Kumbh, who did Aerospace Engineering from IIT Bombay but left everything for spirituality.

Meanwhile, illiterate Leftists and Seculars mock Sanatanis. pic.twitter.com/vM0XI7rIFS

— BALA (@erbmjha) January 13, 2025

Why IITian Baba was expelled?

Abhey Singh, known as IIT Baba, was expelled from the Juna Akhara after being accused of misconduct, including using abusive language towards his guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri.

“The actions of Abhey Singh violate the sacred guru-shishya (master-disciple) tradition and the core principles of sanyas. Disrespecting one’s guru is a profound disregard for Sanatan Dharma and the values upheld by the akhara,” said Mahant Hari Giri, chief patron of Juna Akhara.

Reports also claim that Singh posted controversial videos on social media, referring to his father as “Hiranyakashyap” and calling his guru “pagal” (mad), sparking outrage among the seers.

Further, other seers at the ashram told Aaj Tak that Singh’s “constant” media appearances were affecting his mental state, resulting in what they described as “inappropriate” behaviour. They also accused him of taking drugs, adding to the growing concerns about his conduct.

In light of these allegations, Juna Akhara’s disciplinary committee decided it was best for him to leave the ashram.

Singh will remain barred until he demonstrates respect for the Akhara’s principles and adheres to its discipline. He is now banned from entering the Akhara camp and its surroundings.

IITian Baba responds

Abhey Singh, popularly known as IIT Baba, has denied claims that he was ousted from the Juna Akhara. Speaking to India Today, he accused the seers 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,” Singh said, asserting that he is still present at the religious gathering.

Singh also criticised Mahant Someshwar Puri of the Juna Akhara, who had earlier referred to Singh as his disciple.

“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,” Singh said, as quoted in Aaj Tak report.

Additionally, he dismissed allegations from fellow seers that his mental health had been affected by frequent media interactions. He questioned the “authority” of those doubting the stability of his mental health.

“Who are these psychologists who know my mental state better than me? They should know more than me to give me a certificate,” Singh remarked.

The controversy continues to unfold as Singh challenges the claims against him and maintains his presence at the Maha Kumbh Mela.

With input from agencies