After a recent clash reported between overseas students and local students in Vadodara’s Parul University, violence was reported in Ahmedabad’s Gujarat University.

As per reports, there was a clash between foreign and local students at Gujarat University premises on Mar 16.

“A group of international students were attacked by a mob in the Gujarat University hostel’s A block,” said officials today, adding that a probe has been launched.

The attack, which left five students injured, allegedly occurred in the night when they were offering namaz within the hostel premises.

State home minister Harsh Sanghavi directed the police to apprehend the culprits and conduct a thorough investigation.

The conflict reportedly erupted when the students gathered in the hostel to perform ‘Taraweeh’, a night prayer during Ramzan.

According to the victims, the hostile mob, armed with sticks and knives, forcefully entered the hostel and assaulted them. The mob also caused extensive damage to property. The hostel’s security personnel were overwhelmed and unable to prevent the attack.

GU vice chancellor 

Dr Neerja Gupta, vice chancellor, 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. Namaz is a personal decision, and whether they are having it in their room or in the mosque, and what is ideal for them -- all these only students can answer.”

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the incident, questioning the silence of national leaders and highlighting the broader implications of such communal tensions.

Ahmedabad City police commissioner GS Malik confirmed that an investigation is underway, emphasising the commitment to justice and the protection of all students.

An Afghan student recounted the harrowing ordeal, detailing how the assailants barged into their rooms, vandalising belongings and chanting provocative slogans.

The injured included nationals from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Turkmenistan, and two African countries. The attackers fled the scene as the police arrived. The affected students were hospitalised, and their respective embassies notified.

The Gujarat police took to its X, “In the Gujarat University campus last night, students from other countries were assaulted and vehicles were vandalised by unknown assailants. The police immediately arrived and took control of the situation. A case has been registered against the accused.”

(With inputs from IANS)

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