IIT Bombay Intruder Created 21 Emails, Attended AI Seminar; IB, ATS Join Probe Into Security Breach

Mumbai: The investigation into the IIT Powai campus intrusion case has revealed a series of shocking developments. According to sources in the Mumbai Crime Branch, the arrested individual, Bilal Ahmed Faiyaz Ahmed Teli (24), had created 21 email IDs and used them to pose as a social media influencer. The probe further revealed that Bilal had travelled to Bahrain in December 2024 and had previously visited Dubai. He had also officially attended an AI seminar at IIT, Crime Branch sources said.

Bilal, a Class 10 dropout trained in web design, was reportedly deeply fascinated by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). Despite lacking formal education credentials, he successfully infiltrated the prestigious Powai campus. He was earlier employed and reportedly earned a monthly salary between ₹1–1.5 lakh.

A native of Surat, Bilal's family had relocated to Mangaluru around 30 years ago. His father runs a garment business that suffered financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bilal is believed to have used forged documents to access the IIT Bombay campus, where he was found sleeping in a ground-floor room of one of the institute’s buildings.

During his 14-day stay, Bilal reportedly entered and exited the campus 8–10 times without drawing the attention of security personnel. Crime Branch officers have recovered CCTV footage and other crucial evidence, pointing to a significant lapse in campus security.

Bilal is said to have changed his sleeping spot daily, using lobbies, sofas, and unoccupied rooms with mattresses. He also explored various areas of the campus, recording videos on his phone. Based on his interrogation, investigators have created a detailed map of his movements, though his motive remains unclear.

Sources indicate that Bilal uploaded several videos of the IIT campus on social media using a VPN. His mobile device contains multiple such recordings. Between June 7 and June 10, he reportedly travelled to Surat, allegedly to meet relatives — a detail still under verification.

Officials confirmed he operated 21 email IDs, raising suspicions of deeper, potentially unlawful activity. Central agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB) and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have now joined the investigation. The probe remains ongoing