Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal joined students from the North-East protesting against the death of Nido Taniam.
Delhi Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal joined hundreds of students from the North-East in a protest against the death of 20-year-old Arunachal Pradesh student Nido Taniam, and launched another blistering attack on the Delhi Police this evening.
"Nido's fight isn't a North Eastern issue...It's a national issue...we have to fight this racism together," the Chief Minister said and added, "Whoever is guilty in this case, whether it is the police or the accused, we will have to get together to ensure they are hanged." (
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He apologised for reaching the protest venue at Jantar Mantar only after four days, and then announced several measures sought by the protesters. Among them, that the history of the North East will be introduced in school books in the capital to help sensitise people. (
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The protesters cheered for Mr Kejriwal. Around them placards read, "We are not outsiders."
The students have demanded a fast-track investigation into the teen's death and action against the police for not doing enough to help him. Mr Kejriwal said a magisterial enquiry ordered by his government would finish in three to four weeks and action would be taken.
Mr Kejriwal's visit at the protest venue came about 24 hours after Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had met the students and promised that justice will be delivered for Nido.
"What happened to Nido is totally unacceptable," Mr Gandhi had said. "There is only one India. And that India belongs to all of us. We are going to ensure you get respect in this country. Full stop." (
In rare public interaction, Rahul Gandhi meets student protesters)
"Rahulji has called up Shindeji in front of us and requested for the probe," PTI quoted a student as saying.
Within half an hour of Mr Gandhi's visit, the Delhi police announced that three men had been arrested and six men altogether had been identified for allegedly assaulting the boy. The cause of death will only be ascertained by a toxicology report. (
Nido Taniam died of swelling in brain but autopsy 'inconclusive' on death after beating)
Nido was studying in Jalandhar and was vacationing in Delhi when he was beaten up with rods and sticks last week, allegedly by a group of shopkeepers who ridiculed his appearance and his dyed hair. The police say it negotiated a settlement and that Nido then went to his sister's home where he was found dead in his bed the next day.