• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Mumbai News: A 22-year-old man was arrested after it was discovered that he had been living illegally on the IIT-Bombay campus for two weeks while pretending to be a PhD student. The man, identified as Bilal Ahmad Teli, had no formal admission to the institute but still managed to access the high-security premises.

According to a NDTV report, the matter came to light on June 26 when a staff member saw Bilal sleeping on a sofa in one of the hostel lounges. When asked to identify himself, Bilal ran off. Officials then checked CCTV footage and confirmed he wasn’t a student. A complaint was filed and Bilal was taken into custody.

ALSO READ: LPG Price Cut: OMCs Cut Commercial Cylinder Price By Rs 58 From July 1; Check Latest Rates In Delhi, Mumbai And Other Major Cities

Used Fake Papers, Attended Lectures

Investigators said Bilal used fake admission documents and introduced himself as a research scholar. He moved freely around campus, attended lectures and even participated in a seminar on Artificial Intelligence. He would often sleep on hostel sofas and visit areas where free coffee was served.

During questioning, Bilal revealed he had pulled off a similar stay last year at the same campus, which had gone unnoticed.

Phone Data Deleted, Blogs Under Scanner

The Mumbai Crime Branch seized Bilal’s phone, but much of its data had been wiped. Cyber experts are now trying to retrieve the deleted content. Officials said Bilal had created 21 email accounts, which he claimed were used for running multiple blogs. He said he was hoping to become a content creator or influencer and earn online income.

ALSO READ: Mumbai Records Second-Highest June Property Registrations In 6 Years

Software Background, International Travel

Bilal, who hails from Kashmir, currently works for a private firm in Surat, Gujarat and earns Rs 1.25 lakh a month. He has completed a short software development course and holds a diploma in web design. His father owns a garment business.

In addition, Bilal has travelled to Dubai and Bahrain in recent years. Due to the nature of the intrusion, intelligence and anti-terror agencies are also questioning him to check for any possible security concerns.

Also In News