Foreign Students Attacked During Ramadan Prayers at Gujarat University: Police Investigate

Ahmedabad, India – Foreign students studying at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad were victims of a violent attack on Saturday evening during their Ramadan prayers. The assailants, who remain unidentified, not only assaulted the students but also caused damage to hostel rooms by throwing stones and shouting slogans.

The assault occurred within the Block A hostel premises, where some students reported that individuals from the Block B hostel prevented them from engaging in their religious practices during Ramadan. Following the incident, injured students were admitted to SVP Hospital in Ahmedabad and are currently in stable condition.

Upon receiving reports of the attack, the Ahmedabad Police swiftly responded to the scene at Gujarat University and have initiated legal proceedings against the alleged perpetrators. Police officials confirmed that a group of unknown individuals attacked and robbed foreign students within the campus, resulting in injuries.

According to Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik, approximately 25 people were involved in the disruption that took place while the students were praying. The conflict escalated when the group demanded the students to stop their prayers, leading to further violence and destruction.

Among the injured students hospitalized, two have been identified as nationals of Tajikistan and Sri Lanka. In response to the incident, Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi has called for strict action to be taken against the 25 individuals involved, with rioting charges already lodged at Gujarat University Police Station.

Gujarat University is home to students from various countries including Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Syria, and several African nations. Footage capturing the violent events, including the perpetrators throwing stones and shouting slogans, has since surfaced.

The attack has sparked criticism from political figures such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, who called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their handling of the situation in Gujarat. NSUI national president Varun Chaudhary has urged Foreign Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to intervene in the matter.

Addressing the incident, a foreign student emphasized the need for government intervention to address the hostility faced by international students. The altercation resulted in the destruction of personal belongings such as laptops, music systems, air conditioners, cupboards, and tables belonging to the students from different nations.

Efforts to investigate the attack and identify the perpetrators are ongoing, with a dedicated team working on the case. As the affected students seek justice and authorities address the security concerns raised, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by foreign students studying abroad.