Some news outlets in their editions today have falsely reported that Najeeb Ahmed, the JNU student who went missing from the campus on October 15 last year, has possibly joined the Islamic State. They have cited unnamed officials in the Delhi Police as sources for the story. The Delhi Police later today refuted this story and has said that no such evidence exists.

The JNU Students’ Union and SIO condemns this blatantly false reportage that is geared towards spreading misinformation about the case and erode the support that Najeeb’s family has been receiving from various political parties as also from extended family members. We appeal to the press to report on this matter with sensitivity and concern for Fatima Nafees, Najeeb’s mother, who has been relentlessly pursuing this case, with very little financial resources. We respect the rights of the press to report on matters with objectivity but we urge you to pay attention to the political aspects of this case and report the information given by the police with caution and criticality. The Delhi Police has been equally guilty in this case for not acting immediately after the disappearance, for not pursuing investigation into Najeeb’s assault before his disappearance. As reported by the media itself, the Delhi High Court lambasted the police in the last hearing on the habeas corpus case for their shoddy investigation.