Live cartridges found in IIT Bombay hostel room, 23-year-old detained

A security alert was triggered at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay campus in Powai after police detained a 23-year-old man following the recovery of five live cartridges from a hostel room. The incident has raised concerns over campus safety at one of the country’s premier educational institutions.

According to the FIR, the matter came to light in the early hours of February 19 when campus security staff received information about a dispute between students at Hostel No. 1. Acting on the alert, security personnel initiated checks inside the hostel to assess the situation and prevent any escalation.

During a routine inspection of Room No. 93, security staff discovered five live 7.65 mm cartridges concealed inside a cleaning brush container. The finding was immediately reported to the authorities, following which the Powai Police Station took charge of the situation and secured the ammunition.

Police subsequently detained a 23-year-old man in connection with the recovery and began further investigation to determine how the cartridges were brought onto the campus and whether any additional risks were involved. The case has been registered, and inquiries are ongoing to establish intent and possible violations of law.