Ahmedabad, India – Foreign students from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka found themselves in a distressing situation at Gujarat University when they were attacked during a confrontation at their hostel. The incident, said to have been sparked by tensions surrounding the students’ practice of offering namaz on campus, turned violent, resulting in severe injuries.
Reports indicate that the students were peacefully engaged in their religious practice within their hostel rooms when they were confronted by a group of individuals who objected to their activities and raised religious slogans. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical altercation, leaving the foreign students with significant injuries.
The altercation took place at Block A of Gujarat University, where the foreign students reside. Neerajkumar Badgujar, the additional commissioner of police (crime) for Ahmedabad city, confirmed that a FIR has been filed in connection with the incident. Badgujar assured that the attackers will be swiftly apprehended. One of the injured students remains hospitalized, while the others have been discharged after receiving medical treatment.
A witness from Afghanistan described the incident, stating that a group of individuals forcibly entered their hostel campus, disrupted their religious activities, and resorted to violence. The attackers reportedly vandalized the students’ rooms, causing damage to property and personal belongings.
Videos depicting the attack on the foreign students have circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing attention to the alarming incident. Furthermore, reports indicate that several vehicles were damaged during the altercation.
In response to the situation, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi has called for an urgent meeting with senior officials to address the matter promptly. However, Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Neerja Gupta was unavailable for comment, and the Gujarat University police station PI SR Bava mentioned that investigations are currently ongoing.
The injured students have been transferred to SVP Hospital for further medical attention as authorities work to resolve the issue. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety and protection of foreign students studying in India.