Five Arrested by Ahmedabad Crime Branch for Attack on Foreign Students at Gujarat University Hostel

Ahmedabad : In a significant development, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch has apprehended five individuals – Hitesh Mewada, Bharat Patel, Sahil Dudhkia, Kshitij Pandey, and Jitendra Patel – in connection with the appalling attack and vandalism against foreign students at the Gujarat University hostel. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, has prompted swift action from the state government and intervention by the Ministry of External Affairs, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The tranquility of the Gujarat University hostel was shattered by a brazen act of violence as a mob of 20-25 individuals unleashed chaos and terror upon foreign students residing within its confines. The attack, triggered by a contentious debate over prayer rituals within the hostel premises, resulted in the assault and intimidation of innocent students, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

According to the Ahmedabad police, the assailants stormed the A-block hostel, where foreign students were peacefully offering namaz in the ground. The situation escalated rapidly as the mob vented their anger, resorting to physical violence and wanton vandalism, causing extensive damage to property and personal belongings. Police Commissioner Gyanendra Singh Malik commended the swift response of law enforcement, ensuring their arrival within a mere five minutes to quell the mayhem.

Amidst the chaos, a disturbing video footage emerged on social media platforms, capturing the moment when an Afghan student, confronted by one of the attackers, was subjected to a vicious assault. The video, a chilling testament to the brutality of the attack, has further fueled public outrage and demands for justice.

In the aftermath of the incident, the state government has initiated a judicial inquiry to probe the circumstances surrounding the attack. Nine dedicated teams, including the esteemed Crime Branch, have been tasked with unraveling the truth behind this heinous act. A special investigative team, led by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), is meticulously examining video evidence and witness testimonies to piece together the sequence of events.

The harrowing ordeal recounted by foreign students, who found themselves at the receiving end of unprovoked violence, underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures and institutional safeguards to protect the welfare of international students. Accounts of religious slurs, physical assaults, and property damage have cast a dark shadow on the city’s reputation, raising serious concerns about the safety and well-being of foreign nationals studying in India.

As the Ministry of External Affairs collaborates with the state government to address the aftermath of this egregious incident, the imperative for collective action and accountability has never been more pronounced. The attack on foreign students at Gujarat University hostel serves as a stark reminder of the perils of intolerance and xenophobia, urging society to stand united against such acts of hate and violence.