The Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court has accepted the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)'s closure report in the case of the disappearance of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Najeeb Ahmed, delivering a significant decision. During the hearing on Monday, the court clarified that the CBI could reopen the investigation if any new and concrete leads emerge in the future.
It is noteworthy that Najeeb's mother had filed an objection petition against this closure report in 2018, which the court dismissed. The court stated that all possible angles had been investigated and no credible evidence was found to warrant further action.
Eight Years On, No Trace Found
Najeeb Ahmed, a 27-year-old, who was a first-year MSc Biotechnology student at JNU, disappeared under mysterious circumstances on October 15, 2016. It is reported that he had a heated argument with some students allegedly associated with the ABVP in the campus a day before his disappearance. Following this mysterious disappearance, there was outrage among students and human rights organizations across the country, and the matter continuously remained in the media and political circles.
The Delhi Police and later the CBI investigated the case for several years, but no clear cause or clue of Najeeb's disappearance has been found so far.
Key Observations by the Court
• No negligence found in CBI investigation: The court held that the agency seriously investigated all possible aspects and did not show any negligence.
• No clue found from phone and laptop: The mobile phone and laptop recovered from Najeeb's room also could not provide any useful leads.
• Signs of mental stress: According to medical documents and the mother's statement, Najeeb was undergoing mental stress.
• Possibility of not returning to the hostel: The court indicated the possibility of Najeeb not returning to the hostel after visiting Safdarjung Hospital.
• No link between assault and disappearance: The court stated that there was no direct or circumstantial evidence between the alleged clash and Najeeb's disappearance.
End of the Legal Process
In its decision, the court made an emotional remark, saying that it is unfortunate that while the legal process is coming to an end, there is still no closure for Najeeb's mother and family. We hope that Najeeb is found soon.
Disputes during hostel elections in campuses like JNU are considered normal, but the court clarified that a student cannot be held responsible for the disappearance solely on this basis, especially when no concrete evidence is available.
