Fact Check: Viral Photo Falsely Links ‘IITian Baba’ to Espionage Case
A photo circulating on social media claims to show Nishant Agarwal, an IIT Ropar alumnus and ex BrahMos Aerospace engineer sentenced to life for espionage. However, an investigation by PTI Fact Check Desk reveals the person in the image is Abhey Singh, popularly known as ‘IITian Baba,’ a self-styled holy man and IIT Bombay graduate.
The Claim
On January 13, an X (formerly Twitter) user shared a photo claiming it showed Nishant Agarwal, convicted for spying for Pakistan’s ISI. The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 120,000 views.
The Investigation
The PTI Fact Check Desk analyzed the viral image using Google Lens and traced it to an interview aired by News18 on January 12, 2025. In the interview, Abhey Singh, also known as ‘IITian Baba,’ described his journey from aerospace engineering at IIT Bombay to pursuing spirituality. Singh clarified he was not connected to Nishant Agarwal or the espionage case.
A separate search confirmed Nishant Agarwal studied at NIT Kurukshetra, not IIT Ropar, as falsely claimed. Hindustan Times reported on June 3, 2024, that Agarwal had been sentenced to life imprisonment for espionage.
Comparing the images of Singh and Agarwal further confirmed they are two different individuals.
IIT Bombay Confirms Identity
PTI contacted IIT Bombay’s Public Relations Office. Falguni Banerjee, the PRO, confirmed Abhey Singh graduated in aerospace engineering from IIT Bombay between 2008 and 2012.
Conclusion
The viral claim that the image shows Nishant Agarwal, convicted of espionage, is false. The person in the photo is Abhey Singh, an IIT Bombay graduate turned spiritual figure. Social media users shared the photo with misleading claims, which have been debunked.
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