Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, June 22: In an incident that has left faculty and security officials stunned, a 22-year-old man from Mangaluru, Bilal Teli, has been arrested for unauthorised entry and prolonged stay on the prestigious IIT Bombay campus, where he reportedly attended lectures without being enrolled or having any official clearance.
According to reports, Teli initially entered the campus on June 4, 2023, claiming he came to participate in a one-day study programme. However, the visit took a bizarre turn when he chose to remain on campus, slipping into engineering classes and roaming around undetected for several days.
The situation came to light when a professor confronted him and asked for his identity proof. On being unable to produce any, Teli fled the scene, prompting immediate security escalation. After reviewing CCTV footage, IIT Bombay security managed to trace and detain Teli on June 19, spotting him once again inside a lecture hall.
Zone X DCP Datta Nalawade confirmed that Teli had no authorisation to stay or study on campus. “He claimed he came for a short programme but ended up staying from June 2 to 7, 2023, and then again from June 10 to 19, 2023, without any approval,” he said.
Faculty members expressed shock and concern over the ease with which Teli navigated the campus. “Where did he stay? Did he gain access to sensitive lab data? What was his real motive?” questioned a senior professor, reflecting the growing anxiety among staff regarding the effectiveness of existing security protocols.
While no evidence has surfaced yet suggesting malicious intent, the breach has triggered a campus-wide review of security measures. Discussions are underway to reinforce access restrictions, implement more rigorous ID checks, and tighten surveillance on all entry points.
Teli is currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.
This unusual incident has drawn comparisons to “Rancho”, the curious and knowledge-hungry character from Hindi movie "3 Idiots" — but the real-life consequences of trespassing at a top-tier institute are far more serious than their fictional counterpart.