Following an attack on international students at Gujarat University's hostel while offering namaz, the authorities have taken swift action, announcing plans to relocate the affected students and establish a foreign student advisory committee
Following an attack on international students at Gujarat University's hostel while offering namaz, the authorities have taken swift action, announcing plans to relocate the affected students and establish a foreign student advisory committee. The incident, which occurred at the government-run Gujarat University hostel, led to the arrest of two individuals, identified as Hitesh Mevada and Bharat Patel, while efforts to apprehend others involved are ongoing.
In response to the situation, Gujarat University has replaced the coordinator of its study abroad program and the NRI hostel warden. Vice Chancellor Neerja Gupta disclosed plans to transfer international students to a different hostel designated for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) students within three days. Additionally, security measures will be bolstered by deploying ex-Army personnel to enhance the security of hostel blocks.
The university has formed a foreign student advisory committee, comprising the study abroad program coordinator, assistant registrar of the legal cell, and the university Lokpal. Moreover, directives have been issued to reinforce overall security on campus.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Tarun Duggal confirmed an ongoing investigation, utilizing technical surveillance and other methods to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the incident. The altercation resulted in hospitalization for two students, one from Sri Lanka and the other from Tajikistan. An FIR has been lodged against 20-25 unidentified assailants under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi convened a meeting with police officials, urging stringent and judicious action in response to the incident. Police Commissioner GS Malik detailed the events, stating that the altercation erupted over objections to international students offering namaz on the premises, resulting in physical assaults, stone-throwing, and property damage.
Gujarat University hosts approximately 300 international students from various countries, including Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, and African nations, with around 75 residing in the A-block hostel where the incident occurred. Vice Chancellor Gupta characterized the incident as a clash between two groups, escalating into physical altercations and injuries among international students.