• By Mayukh Debnath
  • Sun, 17 Mar 2024 06:43 PM (IST)
  • Source:IANS
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Gujarat University Mob Attack: After a group of foreign students was allegedly attacked by an intruding mob while offering namaz at a hostel on the premises of Gujarat University in Ahmedabad, the Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday ensured that strict action is being taken by the state government against the perpetrators.

The police have arrested two men in connection with its probe into the attack, news agency PTI said in its report citing police officials. The search for the other accused in the matter is underway, officials informed. 

The incident reportedly occurred late Saturday night when the students gathered at the Gujarat University hostel in Ahmedabad to perform 'Taraweeh', a night prayer during Ramzan. As many as 20-25 unidentified individuals are said to have partaken in the alleged mob attack.

"An incidence of violence took place at Gujarat University in Ahmedabad yesterday. State government is taking strict action against the perpetrators," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Jaiswal also confirmed the tally of the foreign students who sustained injuries in the clash, adding that one of them has been discharged after treatment. "Two foreign students were injured in the clash. One of them has been discharged from hospital after receiving medical attention," the post read. It added, "MEA is in touch with Gujarat government."

According to the victims, who hail from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan, and two African countries, the attackers fled the scene as the police arrived. The attackers, armed with sticks and knives, forced their way into the hostel and assaulted the students, while also causing damage to the property, news agency IANS reported.

Speaking on the matter, Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Dr Neerja Gupta said, "We are taking this matter seriously. We will soon take some administrative decisions in this matter. Even the police are working with us to address this matter. It is yet to be investigated whether the students who attacked were university students or not."

"Namaaz is a personal decision, and whether they are having it in their room or the mosque, and what is ideal for them -- all these only students can answer," she was quoted as saying by IANS.

(With inputs from IANS)