Shameful that Rajnath Singh is mum on missing JNU student: CPI(M)

NEW DELHI: today hit out at Home Minister Rajnath Singh over the disappearance of JNU student Najeeb Ahmed and the handling of protests over the issue by police, saying it is "shameful" that he is keeping mum.

The Left party also accused Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma of showing "criminal negligence" in the case. It demanded that the government take immediate action against police personnel for their "totally unwarranted" approach towards Najeeb's mother during a protest yesterday.

"The Delhi Police is directly under the Central government. The Police Commissioner has displayed criminal negligence in the case of the missing student.

"It is shameful that the Home Minister remains silent when such incidents are taking place in the capital of the country. He should immediately intervene," party Politburo said in a statement.

The party accused police of "dragging on road" Najeeb's mother when she tried to take part in a protest march to India Gate, demanding intensified efforts to trace him. The CPI(M) said girl student protesters too were "harassed and manhandled" by male cops.

"Instead of launching an urgent and serious search for the missing student, the Delhi police has beaten, harassed and arrested those demanding justice," it alleged.

Mother and sister of Najeeb, who is missing since 23 days, were yesterday detained when they along with scores of agitating students tried to take out a protest march.

Fatima Nafees, mother of Najeeb, was virtually dragged into a bus by police along with other students when they were on their way to India Gate, triggering criticism from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who decided to visit the police station.

Fatima and her daughter, Sadaf, were later released.