Mumbai: A 22-year-old suspect, Bilal Ahmed Fayaz Ahmed Teli, a resident of Mangalore, Karnataka, has been arrested from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Powai campus, after it was discovered that he had been conducting reconnaissance (reki) activities within the institute. The investigation has now been officially handed over to the Crime Intelligence Unit (CIU) for a more in-depth probe, while the Anti-Terrorism Squad is also conducting a parallel investigation into the matter.
According to police, Bilal posed as an IIT student and illegally stayed inside the campus for two separate periods—from June 2 to June 7 and again from June 10 to June 17. During his stay, he occupied different hostels and managed to avoid detection for almost two weeks. His movements and presence were uncovered through campus CCTV footage, which helped police identify and track him.
The Police have interrogated Bilal and examined data from his seized mobile phone, along with other technical evidence. The agencies found apps like Signal and Imo on Telli’s mobile phone. “He shot multiple videos of IIT Bombay and claims that he wanted to share this on his [social media] channel.
Inquiries have also been made with his family and friends. The Mangalore resident reportedly completed a six-month software development course after his 12th grade, the officials said.
The investigations have revealed that Bilal, visited the campus last year as well and stayed for nearly a month without being noticed, the officials said. Initial findings suggest that Bilal had been conducting reconnaissance of the institute, raising security concerns.
The Powai Police had earlier registered a case under Sections 329(3) and 329(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). After further investigation, additional sections were added, and Bilal was officially arrested. A court has remanded him to 14 days of police custody for further questioning.
The complaint was filed by Rahul Dattaram Patil, a 48-year-old IIT a security officer working with the IIT Powai Vigilance Department. On June 4, Bilal was first spotted when he unlawfully entered the office of a Credit Department staff member. When asked for identification, he fled the scene.
Following the incident, the campus security team reviewed CCTV footage to identify the suspect. Despite their efforts, Bilal initially evaded capture. However, on June 17 at around 4:00 PM, he was again spotted—this time sitting inside Lecture Hall Complex LH-101. Security personnel Kishore Kumbhar and Shyam Ghodvinde detained him and handed him over to Powai Police.
The CIU is now conducting a detailed investigation to determine Bilal’s motives and any possible links to larger security threats.
