Handed over Nido Taniam to his guardian: Delhi Police

The Delhi Police Saturday said Nido Tania, the Arunachal student who died Thursday, was handed over to his guardian after he was picked up from the city's Lajpat Nagar I market following an altercation with two shopkeepers.

Nido Tania, 19, son of Arunachal Pradesh Congress legislator Nido Pavitra, was mercilessly beaten up by two shopkeepers Wednesday afternoon following a row over his appearance and clothing. He died Thursday. "After we picked him, we brought him to the police station (Lajpat Nagar) and called his local guardian... The youngster was handed over to him," said a police official, denying reports that Tania was dropped at the spot of the altercation to be attacked again by the shopkeepers.

Earlier in the day, students from the northeastern states held a protest here to demand justice over Tania's death. The protest was called off in the evening following assurance from the Delhi Police of speedy investigation.

Activists and people from the northeast termed it a "racial attack" while the region's parliamentarians said they would take up the matter with the prime minister.

To view images from the protest in Delhi, click here.