JNU students’ stir ends, VC ‘freed’ after 24 hours

The students were demanding a conclusive response on the whereabouts of missing student Najeeb Ahmed. Ahmed, a student of School of Biotechnology, had been missing since October 15 after an altercation with some Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) students at the Mahi-Mandavi hostel. Earlier in the day, Kumar said he had spoken to the students and explained them the efforts made by the JNU to locate the missing student. He also appealed to the missing student to return and resume his academic activities without fear stating that a fair inquiry was initiated. The ABVP has denied of having any role in Ahmed’s disappearance. Reacting on the blockade, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said, “the university administration has been doing, what it has to do.  It is very sad that they gheraoed the VC and other officials.”

Delhi Police constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to trace a missing JNU hostel inmate following a direction from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh as protests by a section of students raged on in the campus over alleged inaction by authorities. “We have formed an SIT under Additional DCP-II (South) Manishi Chandra to probe in the case. We have also informed the SSPs concerned as well as police officers across India and have given out advertisements in newspapers,” said a police officer.