Hindu mob attacks foreign students during Ramazan prayer

• At least four foreign students were attacked, dorm vadalised and property damaged

AHMEDABAD: Foreign students studying at a university hostel in India’s Gujarat state have been subjected to a horrifying attack allegedly carried out by a Hindu far-right mob. The incident, which occurred during the holy month of Ramadan, left at least four students injured.

According to reports, the violence erupted when a group of around 15 students gathered for the Ramadan tarawih prayer inside the boys’ hostel premises, as there was no mosque available on the university campus in Ahmedabad. The peaceful prayer session was abruptly interrupted when a small group of individuals began shouting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ (Hail Lord Ram), objecting to the students’ religious observance.

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The situation escalated rapidly as a mob of around 250 people armed with sticks and knives stormed the hostel, attacking the students and causing extensive damage to property. Laptops, phones, bikes, and even the hostel’s AC and sound system were vandalised and destroyed in the chaos.

Disturbing videos of the attack surfaced on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, showcasing the harrowing incident faced by the international students, who hail from countries like Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, as well as several African nations. Two students were reportedly severely injured and are currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

Ahmedabad Police Commissioner GS Malik told reporters at a briefing on Sunday, “An argument broke out between them, stones were pelted and their rooms were vandalised by the people who came from outside.” He added that nine teams have been formed to investigate the incident.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with the Ministry of External Affairs vowing to take strict action against the perpetrators. The police have received a complaint against 20-25 individuals, and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.

The violence has sparked outrage both domestically and internationally, with calls for intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to address the growing anti-Muslim sentiment in the country. Asaduddin Owaisi, a member of parliament, condemned the attack, highlighting the need to preserve India’s reputation for religious tolerance and harmony.

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In response to the incident, Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Dr Neerja A Gupta pledged to provide orientation sessions to students enhance their understanding of Indian customs and ensure their safety and well-being on campus.