Cops fear stir may turn communal

The Delhi police has expressed apprehension that the matter related to the missing student of the JNU, Najeeb Ahmed, could flare up communal passions as there were chances that different student and political organisations could try to mobilise and polarise supporters on the contentious issue.

In a two-page secret communication to the Union home ministry, the special branch of the city police has said the matter could take a communal turn as the varsity’s student union dominated by Left-leaning organisations in the recent elections had formed an alliance against the right- wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.

The communication, signed on behalf of the deputy commissioner of police (special branch) by ACP Balram, has among others also been sent to Raj Niwas, chief secretary K.K. Sharma and the joint secretary in the Special Investigation Bureau. A copy of the report, which is in possession of this newspaper, said that the media could also give this matter large coverage through communal lens. “The report is secret in nature and strictly for internal circulation. It should neither be passed on to any unauthorised person nor cited as public document in any court of law/ public authorities.”

The report said that JNU student Vikrant Kumar of the AVBP had complained to the Vasant Kunj North police station that he was assaulted by another student, Najeeb Ahmed, on October 14 while he was campaigning for the post of the mess secretary for the elections scheduled for October 17. It said, “As per the complaint, as soon as he (Vikrant) entered room no. 106, Mahi Mandvi Hostel, Najeeb Ahmad hurled slaps on his face at least thrice and made offensive remarks against his religious symbols (sacred red thread tied on his wrist) and beliefs.”

The special branch said that Najeeb’s mother, Fatima, a resident of Badaun in UP, submitted the missing complaint of her son. She reportedly complained that her 27-year-old son had gone missing from 11 am on October 15. The police filed a non-cognizable report on the basis of Vikrant’s complaint and also lodged Najeeb’s missing report. The JNUSU held a protest demonstration and demanded an immediate investigation into Najeeb’s missing report.

The report said that though the hostel warden and JNU administration had taken notice of the incident, they were yet to decide the course of action on the matter. “Keeping in view the overall situation in all campus and student sentiments, there are chances that different student and political organisations may try to mobilise supporters.”