International students offering night prayers (taraweeh) at the Gujarat University during Ramzan, where the alleged assault took place. (Photo: X/@zoo_bear)
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (foreign ministry) has strongly condemned the violent attack on foreign students at Gujarat University in its Ahmedabad campus. The incident occurred on Saturday night when a mob assaulted a group of international students offering namaz during Ramzan.
The foreign ministry spokesman, Randhir Jaiswal, issued a statement confirming the incident and asserting that the Gujarat government is taking “strict action” against the perpetrators. He further stated that the ministry is “in touch” with the Gujarat government to monitor the situation.
An incidence of violence took place at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad yesterday. State government is taking strict action against the perpetrators.
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) March 17, 2024
Two foreign students were injured in the clash. One of them has been discharged from hospital after receiving medical attention.…
What happened at Gujarat University international boys’ hostel?
On Saturday night, a mob of around 20–25 barged into the Block A of the Gujarat University international boys’ hostel where a group of foreign students housed there were offering night prayers (taraweeh) during Ramzan. The mob ordered them to stop praying, which led to a heated exchange. Following this, the mob went on a rampage in the hostel, assaulting students in their rooms and damaging property and vehicles.
Four students sustained injuries, two of whom were severely injured. The foreign students assaulted are reportedly from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.
International students (Africa, Uzbekistan, Afganistan etc) studying in Gujarat University @gujuni1949 claim they were beaten up, Stones thrown at them and at their hostel (A-Block), Vehicles destroyed while they were offering Ramazan Taraweeh at a place inside the hostel A-Block… pic.twitter.com/ogJ3h7FUin
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) March 16, 2024
The police have registered a first information report (FIR) against around 20–25 unidentified men in this case and are investigating the incident. According to the latest information with India Sentinels, five men have been arrested in connection with the assault on the international students. Media cited the names of the five men as Hitesh Mewada, Bharat Patel, Shitij Pandey, Jitendra Patel, and Sunil Dudhirua.
The police have not confirmed whether the men are connected to any political or religious organization.
In the aftermath of the incident, Gujarat University authorities have decided to shift the foreign students to a new hostel and have set up a foreign student advisory committee. The university is home to around 300 foreign students, many from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and African countries.
The attack has sparked outrage in India and abroad. Critics have condemned the violence as a violation of India’s secular principles and a threat to its reputation as a welcoming destination for international students. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of foreign students in India.
