In a distressing incident at the Gujarat University hostel premises, international students were subjected to a violent attack while offering namaz near the facility's block.
The police, swiftly responding to the situation, apprehended three more individuals on Monday, bringing the total number of arrested suspects to five, as confirmed by the crime branch.
The initial arrests were made on Sunday when two individuals, Hitesh Mevada and Bharat Patel, were taken into custody by the city crime branch. Subsequently, Kshitij Pandey, Jitendra Patel, and Sahil Dudhatiya, all residents of Ahmedabad, were arrested on Monday. They were handed over to the local police for further investigation into the incident.
The assault on international students, hailing from various foreign countries, occurred on Saturday night within the A-block hostel premises of Gujarat University. Among the victims were students from Sri Lanka and Tajikistan, who were hospitalized following the attack.
Condemning the incident, the police registered an FIR against 20-25 unidentified individuals under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, unlawful assembly, causing hurt, and damage to property. Police Commissioner GS Malik promptly intervened, deploying nine investigative teams to probe the matter thoroughly.
Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, convened a meeting with police officers to ensure stringent action and judicial proceedings against the perpetrators. According to Commissioner Malik, the assailants entered the hostel premises and objected to the students' religious practices, leading to a heated altercation, stone-throwing, and vandalism of property.
Gujarat University hosts approximately 300 international students from countries such as Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, and various African nations. The A-block hostel, where the attack transpired, accommodates around 75 of these students.
Disturbing videos depicting the assault and the subsequent destruction of students' belongings have circulated widely, sparking outrage within the local and international communities.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of international students in Ahmedabad and has prompted calls for swift justice and accountability.
As investigations continue, authorities are under pressure to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and to address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the attack.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs.
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