File photo of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. (PTI)
Noida: Four Nigerian students on Monday sustained severe injuries after a group of locals attacked them in Pari Chowk, Noida. The incident occurred at 6 PM when a group, comprising hundreds of locals, held a protest demanding all Africans living in Greater Noida region vacate their rented houses immediately.
The protest was triggered by the death of a class 12 student, who reportedly died of drug overdose, and five Nigerian students from the same neighbourhood were detained in connection with the case. The locals also claimed that the boy was seen spending time with these Nigerian students.
However, the Nigerian students were released owing to the lack of evidence. Police have registered a case under section 307 of the Indian Penal Code in relation to today’s incident and arrested five people.
The locals had permission to protest, but suddenly, the situation spiralled out of control. Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took cognisance of the matter and sought a report. “I have asked for a report from Government of Uttar Pradesh about the reported attack on African students in Noida,” Sushma tweeted.
I have asked for a report from Government of Uttar Pradesh about the reported attack on African students in Noida.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 27, 2017
The Association of African Students in India claimed there had been multiple attacks on African students, and ten students so far had been targeted.