Missing JNU student: Najeeb Ahmed's mother, sister detained for taking out protest march

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Sunday detained the mother and sister of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) missing student Najeeb Ahmed when they along with scores of agitating students tried to take out a protest march to India Gate demanding intensified efforts from police in tracing him.

Najeeb's mother Fatima Nafees and sister along with several JNU students were virtually dragged in a Delhi Police bus and were driven away when they were on their way to India Gate. The detainees were later taken to Mandir Marg police station.

"We only went there (at India Gate) to sit but police dragged us and manhandled us while removing us. What am I asking for? I only want my son back. If police can't do this, please give this case to CBI," Fatima told ANI.

One of the protestors told media that police manhandled Najeeb’s mother as they physically lifted her before putting her in a police bus and prevented other students from coming to her rescue.

However, joint commissioner of police Dependra Pathak said that no one was 'manhandled' by the Delhi Police.

A police official said that the protestors were detained since restrictions under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, banning assembly of four or more people at one place, are in force around India Gate.

The act triggered criticism from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who decided to visit the Mayapuri police station, where Fatima was taken and alleged that the Centre was adopting a ‘dictatorship’ policy.

Yesterday, Kejriwal met President Pranab Mukherjee, who assured him of seeking a report from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Jawaharlal Nehru University administration on the missing student. 

On Sunday evening, several JNU students held a demonstration and protested the lack of action taken by authorities in tracing Najeeb.

Najeeb Ahmed, 27, a first-year MSc student at the School of Biotechnology in JNU, has been missing since October 15 after he reportedly had a scuffle with ABVP members at his hostel room. There has been no information about Ahmed’s whereabouts so far.