Police have arrested two individuals and booked 20 others in connection with a violent incident targeting foreign national students at Gujarat University. The altercation, which occurred at Block A hostel, resulted in severe injuries to five international students from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.
According to police reports, the attack unfolded while the foreign students were offering namaz, prompting an outside mob to protest and shout religious slogans. This confrontation escalated into stone-pelting and bike vandalism, as seen in various social media videos.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Tarun Duggal stated that Hitesh Mewada and Bharat Patel, both Ahmedabad residents, have been arrested on charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including unlawful assembly, rioting, and causing hurt. Additionally, 20-25 other individuals have been booked in connection with the incident.
Two of the injured foreign students, one from Sri Lanka and another from Tajikistan, are receiving medical treatment at SVP Hospital. Duggal noted that there may be others with minor injuries.
The Ministry of External Affairs has assured that strict action will be taken against the attackers, emphasizing its communication with the Gujarat government regarding the matter. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi convened an urgent meeting with senior officials to address the situation.
Criticism of the incident has also emerged, with Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi calling for intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The Gujarat University administration, including Vice-Chancellor Neerja Gupta, has not provided a response thus far.
Sources By Agencies
