A Mother's Ongoing Search: The Disappearance of Najeeb Ahmed

Najeeb Ahmed, a student at Jawaharlal Nehru University, disappeared in October 2016 following a violent altercation. Despite extensive investigations, his family claims justice has not been served, leading to an ongoing legal struggle and public protests.

In October 2016, the mysterious disappearance of an Indian student named Najeeb Ahmed sent shockwaves through the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi. At the time, Ahmed was a 27-year-old biotechnology student who vanished after a confrontation with members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a right-wing student organization. Though the ABVP has denied any involvement in his disappearance, the case has remained unresolved for nearly nine years.

The night before his disappearance, Ahmed was reported to have been injured during the scuffle and was taken to a nearby hospital, but allegedly refused treatment. Witness accounts indicate he returned to his hostel and went missing the following day, leaving behind his belongings. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the case in 2017, has reportedly hit a dead end, stating they have exhausted all leads. The Delhi court recently expressed hope that Ahmed could still be found, but Ahmed's family is determined to pursue further action.

Fatima Nafees, Ahmed's mother, has been at the forefront of the quest for truth and justice since her son went missing. The family, who made immense sacrifices for Ahmed's education, has criticized the CBI for its handling of the investigation, claiming it was flawed and lacked seriousness. Nafees has filed appeals, petitions, and has even participated in candlelight vigils on the anniversary of her son's disappearance, refusing to give up hope.

Despite an extensive investigation where the CBI consulted over 500 witnesses, searched transport hubs, and offered a reward for useful information, the results have been largely disheartening. A court ruled that while there were suggestions of threats made toward Ahmed, there was no substantial evidence directly linking his disappearance to the altercation with the ABVP.

The failure to find Ahmed has led to skepticism regarding the motives behind the investigation, with many in his family believing that his religion may have influenced the authorities’ response. The court has stated that the CBI may reopen the case if any new evidence emerges, but the family’s ongoing struggle highlights the pain of unresolved loss and the fight for justice in an increasingly charged political landscape.

As Ahmed's parents hold onto faint hopes of their son's return, they continue to challenge the system that they feel has let them down. "Sometimes I wonder if I should put a nameplate outside our house," Ahmed's father stated, reflecting a deep uncertainty about the future. The fight for justice remains urgent as both family and community continue to seek answers in a heartbreaking mystery that shows no signs of resolution.