Four days after the alleged ‘racist attack’ on Northeast student Nido Tania, the Delhi Police on Monday arrested three of the six suspects involved in the assault that allegedly led to his death. Among the three absconding accused two are juveniles, the police said.
In a related development, the Union Home Ministry also issued directions to the Delhi Police to sensitise its men on the problems plaguing the community.
Talking about the arrests, Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat said: “During investigations we identified six persons, of whom two are juveniles. Three accused have been arrested today .”
Nido’s post-mortem report, conducted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences this past week, is awaited. “The report will also include toxicology findings from the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory,” added Mr. Bhagat.
The police also clarified that Mr. Nido was not assaulted a second time as alleged by his family and friends. During investigation and video-graphic analysis of the case by the police, it emerged that Nido was brought to the Lajpat Nagar police station by a Police Control Room van. From there he was taken to the spot for an enquiry by two police officers, but he was not assaulted there again. He was brought back to the police station by the officers where he was handed over to the family,” Mr. Bhagat added.
Even as the police arrested three persons, student organisations from the Northeast continued to protest demanding justice for Nido.
The protests on Monday were centred around Jantar Mantar where Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi also met the protesters. He assured them of swift justice and said he felt totally connected to their cause.
Deyir Kana, cousin of Nido who stays in Delhi, said: “My brother was treated like an animal. He had bruises all over the body and was beaten up badly. I can’t imagine people going to such an extent due to hatred. What happened to Nido, has been happening to a lot of people from the Northeast. We are here at the protest today to make Delhiites aware of the discrimination faced by people from the Northeast, and urge them to stop it.”