Ahmedabad, India – Foreign students from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka encountered a frightening ordeal at Gujarat University, where they were attacked during a late-night altercation at their hostel. The incident reportedly stemmed from tensions surrounding the students’ practice of offering namaz on campus.
Reports indicate that the students were peacefully participating in namaz within their hostel rooms when a group of individuals confronted them, objecting to their religious practice and raising religious slogans. The confrontation quickly escalated into a violent clash, resulting in severe injuries to the foreign students.
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 an FIR has been filed in connection with the incident to ensure that the attackers will be promptly apprehended. One of the injured students remains hospitalized while the others have been discharged after receiving medical treatment.
Videos capturing the attack on the foreign students have circulated widely on social media platforms, drawing attention to the alarming incident. Additionally, several vehicles were reportedly 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 stated that investigations are ongoing.
The injured students have been transferred to SVP Hospital for further medical attention as authorities work to bring justice to those responsible for the attack. This incident sheds light on the importance of promoting religious tolerance and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals within educational institutions.