5 Live Cartridges Seized From IIT Bombay Hostel, Security Beefed Up; College Dropout Arrested

• Five live 7.65 mm cartridges were recovered from a student's bag at IIT Bombay hostel.
• A 23-year-old man has been arrested under the Arms Act in connection with the case.
• Police are probing a possible Bihar link to the ammunition.

Security was heightened at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay in Powai after five live cartridges were recovered from a student's bag during a hostel inspection.

The recovery was made following a minor dispute between students, which led to a routine check inside the hostel premises.

Police later arrested a 23-year-old college dropout, identified as Anand Chaudhary, for allegedly keeping the live ammunition in the bag of a first-year BTech student.

Cartridges Recovered During Hostel Check

According to officials, hostel security intervened after a verbal dispute broke out between students over a financial matter. During interaction, authorities suspected alcohol consumption and initiated a room search as per hostel rules.

During the search:

• Five live 7.65 mm cartridges were recovered from a black bag
• The ammunition was marked 'KF 7.65'
• The bag was initially found in a student's room inside the hostel

When questioned, the student said the bag belonged to a friend. Further inquiry revealed that the cartridges were allegedly placed there by another acquaintance during a campus visit earlier this month.

Arrest And Investigation

The accused, Anand Chaudhary, was detained when he arrived at the campus and later handed over to Powai police. He has been booked under provisions of the Arms Act and remanded in custody till Monday.

During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to procuring the cartridges from Munger in Bihar. Police are now investigating how the ammunition was transported and whether others were aware of it.

Bihar Link Under Scanner

Preliminary findings suggest the cartridges were brought from Bihar, prompting police to examine the supply source and any wider connections. Officials said further investigation is underway to determine the intent behind keeping live ammunition inside the hostel.
Security on campus has been tightened as authorities continue to probe the case.