A group of unknown people attacked Foreign Students at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad while they were praying during Ramadan in the evening. They also damaged rooms in the hostel and shouted slogans while throwing stones.
The incident happened on Saturday night at the Block A hostel. The international students living there said that students from Block B told them not to pray during Ramadan anywhere in the hostel.
Foreign Students Attacked at Gujarat University
Late at night in a hostel at Gujarat University, a clash occurred between students from different countries. The dispute reportedly arose from tensions surrounding the practice of offering namaz on campus.
The students involved, hailing from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, were peacefully praying in their rooms when another group objected, shouting religious slogans. This disagreement escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in injuries to five students.
The incident unfolded in Block A of Gujarat University, where these foreign students reside. Neerajkumar Badgujar, the additional commissioner of police (crime) for Ahmedabad city, confirmed that a police report had been filed. He assured the public that those responsible for the attack would be apprehended promptly.
Regarding the injured students, Badgujar stated that one remains hospitalized while the others have been treated and discharged.
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Police Respond and Assure Action on Foreign Students Attacked
Several Foreign Studentsinjured in an assault at the Gujarat University campus have been admitted to SVP Hospital in Ahmedabad. Fortunately, their condition is stable.
The Ahmedabad Police issued a statement on Sunday reporting that students from other countries were attacked and their property damaged by unidentified individuals last night on the university campus, resulting in injuries.
Upon receiving the report, the police promptly intervened and restored order. A case has been filed against the perpetrators, and strict measures will be taken against them.
Ahmedabad Police Commissioner (ACP) G.S. Malik, who assessed the situation at the university hostel, informed that among the 300 foreign students at Gujarat University, 75 reside in the A block hostel.
Hostel Confrontation
Late on Saturday night, around 10:30 pm, while students were praying in the hostel, a group of 25 individuals arrived and demanded they stop. This led to a confrontation and damage to property, according to reports.
The police were notified at 10:51 pm and arrived at the scene by 10:56 pm. Authorities have formed nine teams to investigate the incident, and one attacker has been identified so far.
As per the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), the situation is now under control. Two of the three injured students, currently hospitalized, are from Tajikistan and Sri Lanka.
Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi has ordered strict action, with an FIR filed against 25 unknown individuals for rioting at Gujarat University Police Station.
Gujarat University hosts students from various countries like Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Syria, and African nations, many of whom reside in the hostels.
A video circulating online captures the incident, showing people throwing stones at the hostel and chanting slogans. The video narrator expresses dismay at the attack on their hostel.
Response to Attack on Foreign Students Discussed by State Officials
The state Home Minister, Harsh Sanghvi, called a meeting on Sunday to discuss the recent attack and instructed the DGP and ACP to take immediate action against the culprits.
Expressing concern, a foreign student informed India Today TV that international students come to study here, but incidents like this could lead to an appeal to the government to reconsider visa issuance.
The student recounted how the attackers damaged personal belongings such as laptops, music systems, ACs, cupboards, and tables, expressing disappointment as they consider everyone in the community as brothers.
Meanwhile, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the attack on Sunday, questioning if Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah would intervene, given that the incident occurred in their home state of Gujarat.
In a social media post, Owaisi expressed dismay, suggesting that selective religious fervor and anger toward Muslims indicate a concerning trend of mass radicalization.
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Foreign Students Attacked at Gujarat University FAQs
Q.1. What happened at Gujarat University involving foreign students?
Ans. A group of unknown individuals attacked international students while they were praying during Ramadan, resulting in injuries and property damage.
Q.2. How did the Ahmedabad Police respond to the incident?
Ans. The Ahmedabad Police promptly intervened, filed a case against the attackers, and assured strict action against them.
Q.3. What is the current condition of the injured students?
Ans. Some injured students have been admitted to SVP Hospital in Ahmedabad, and their condition is reported to be stable.
Q.4. What steps have been taken by state officials regarding the attack?
Ans. The state Home Minister called a meeting to discuss the incident, instructing immediate action against the perpetrators.
Q.5. What are the concerns raised by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi?
Ans. Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the attack and questioned the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting a concerning trend of mass radicalization.
