In the wake of the attack on international students at the Gujarat University for offering namaz inside the hostel, the university has decided to shift the foreign students to a different hostel. The authorities are also going to develop a foreign student advisory committee, as per an official.
The Gujarat University has taken several actions in response to recent incidents of violence targeting international students. Vice Chancellor Neerja Gupta, announced the immediate replacement of the coordinator of its study abroad program and the warden of the NRI hostel.
To bolster security measures, the university has instructed security agencies to safeguard its hostel blocks by deploying former Army personnel.
Recent Developments in the Case
Some students from different foreign countries were assaulted while offering prayers in the Gujarat University hostel. A total of five persons, Kshitij Pandey, Jitendra Patel, Sahil Dudhatiya, Hitesh Mevada and Bharat Patel, have been arrested in connection with the attack, with authorities intensifying efforts to apprehend other suspects.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police Tarun Duggal, a thorough investigation is underway, leveraging technical surveillance and other means to capture the remaining perpetrators. The victims, one from Sri Lanka and another from Tajikistan were hospitalised after the assault.
A case has been registered against 20-25 unidentified assailants under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for rioting and causing hurt, among other things. Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi has emphasised the need for strict and impartial action in response to the incident, urging law enforcement to ensure justice.
Police Commissioner GS Malik provided details of the attack, stating, “Some 20-25 people entered the hostel premises (on Saturday night) and objected to the international students offering namaz there, asking them to do so in a mosque. They argued over the issue, assaulting them and hurling stones. They also vandalised their rooms.”
In response, nine investigative teams have been formed to thoroughly examine the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
(With PTI inputs)