Delhi Court Concludes Investigation into JNU Student Case
Nine years after the mysterious disappearance of Najeeb Ahmed, a student at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, a court has closed the investigation due to a lack of leads. Ahmed vanished in October 2016 following a confrontation with members of a right-wing student group. His family has expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation’s handling and plans to appeal the court’s decision, emphasizing their determination to find him.
Background of the Disappearance
Najeeb Ahmed, a 27-year-old biotechnology student, went missing on October 15, 2016, after a violent altercation with students affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The incident occurred the night before his disappearance during a campaign for hostel elections at JNU, a university known for its politically charged environment. Following the scuffle, Ahmed reportedly sought medical attention but was denied treatment due to the absence of a formal police complaint. He returned to campus and was last seen leaving in a tuk-tuk the next morning, leaving behind his belongings.
Ahmed’s family reported him missing on October 15, 2016, after his roommate informed them of the altercation. The case initially drew little attention, but as days passed without progress, protests erupted on campus, demanding action from authorities. In November 2016, Ahmed’s mother, Fatima Nafees, filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, accusing the police of negligence and calling for a thorough investigation.
Investigation Efforts and Challenges
In May 2017, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took over the case from local police. Over the years, the agency conducted extensive inquiries, interviewing more than 500 witnesses and searching various locations, including hospitals and morgues. Despite these efforts, the CBI reported that it had exhausted all leads and found no credible information regarding Ahmed’s whereabouts. A reward of one million rupees for information also yielded no results.
The investigation faced criticism from Ahmed’s family and supporters, who alleged that the CBI did not adequately probe the students involved in the initial altercation. They argued that these individuals had a motive to harm Ahmed and should have been questioned more rigorously. The CBI maintained that it had conducted a thorough investigation, tracking the phone locations of the students involved but finding no evidence linking them to Ahmed’s disappearance.
Court’s Decision and Family’s Response
Recently, a Delhi court decided to close the case, stating that the CBI had investigated all plausible avenues without uncovering any credible leads. The judge noted that while there were verbal threats reported by witnesses, there was no direct evidence connecting the altercation to Ahmed’s disappearance. This ruling has been a significant setback for Ahmed’s family, who continue to seek justice.
Fatima Nafees expressed her frustration, questioning the effectiveness of India’s premier investigative agency in locating her son. She has vowed to continue her fight, participating in candlelight vigils each year on the anniversary of his disappearance. The family believes that Ahmed’s religion may have influenced the investigation’s seriousness, raising concerns about potential biases in law enforcement.
Ongoing Hope and Vigilance
Despite the court’s ruling, the CBI has indicated that it could reopen the case if new information emerges. Ahmed’s family remains hopeful, with Nafees stating, “We will not give up until we find our son.” The emotional toll of the nine-year search is evident, as Ahmed’s father, Nafees Ahmed, reflects on the changes in their home, fearing that his son may not recognize it if he returns.
The case of Najeeb Ahmed continues to resonate within the community, highlighting issues of student safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in handling such cases. As the family prepares to appeal the court’s decision, they remain steadfast in their quest for answers, determined to keep Ahmed’s memory alive.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
Follow Us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, & LinkedIn
