Hindu Mob attacked Muslim Students over Ramadan Prayers at Gujarat University
In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage across India and beyond, a group of Muslim students was attacked while offering Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan at a hostel in Gujarat University, Ahmedabad. The violent attack, which occurred on Saturday night, left five students injured, two of whom required hospitalization. Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the assault, and investigations are ongoing.
The Incident
The attack unfolded when international Muslim students, many from Afghanistan and other countries, gathered to perform the nightly Ramadan prayers in their hostel. According to reports, the situation escalated after a heated argument broke out with a group of individuals who objected to the students praying on university premises, demanding that they conduct their prayers in a mosque instead.
GS Malik, Ahmedabad’s police commissioner, revealed that approximately 24 individuals stormed the hostel, vandalizing property, hurling stones, and physically assaulting the students. Eyewitness accounts and video footage shared on social media show a mob chanting Hindu religious slogans as they damaged vehicles and attacked the students.
“We have formed a special team to investigate the incident and ensure justice for the victims,” Malik stated.
Victims Speak Out
One of the injured students, Navid Siddique from Afghanistan, described the harrowing experience. “We were peacefully offering Taraweeh prayers when three individuals entered the hostel and began questioning us. They left and returned with a mob carrying stones and iron pipes. They attacked us and went on a rampage, damaging our rooms and vehicles,” Siddique told The Times of India.
Another student, Noman, also from Afghanistan, alleged that such incidents have occurred before. “There is always a risk here for international students. The lack of safety is deeply concerning,” he told BBC Gujarati.
Police Action and Arrests
The police have detained five individuals identified as Hitesh Mewada, Bharat Patel, Shitij Pandey, Jitendra Patel, and Sunil Dudhirua. However, officials have not confirmed whether the arrested individuals are affiliated with any political or religious groups.
Senior police official Tarun Duggal stated that further arrests may follow as investigations progress. “We are examining all evidence, including videos of the mob chanting slogans and attacking the students,” Duggal said.
University Response
Dr. Neerja A Gupta, vice-chancellor of Gujarat University, acknowledged longstanding tensions between the foreign students and the attackers. “As per the information I have, the issue is not solely about prayers. There have been previous disagreements,” she said.
To address safety concerns, the university has decided to relocate the affected students to new hostels with enhanced security measures.
Broader Context and Implications
The attack at Gujarat University is the latest in a series of incidents highlighting growing intolerance towards Muslim prayers in public or semi-public spaces in India. In recent years, members of Hindu nationalist groups have frequently disrupted Muslims offering namaz in public areas, alleging that such practices violate public order.
In 2021, protests erupted in Gurgaon over Muslims praying in open spaces, and earlier this month, a Delhi police officer faced suspension after being filmed kicking Muslim men offering prayers by the roadside.
Such incidents have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which have called for the Indian government to uphold the constitutional rights of religious minorities. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have urged authorities to take decisive action against perpetrators of communal violence and ensure the safety of vulnerable groups.
International Students in India
Gujarat University hosts approximately 300 international students, many of whom are beneficiaries of scholarships from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. The attack has raised serious concerns about the safety of international students in India.
“We came here to study and build a future, but incidents like these make us question our decision. The environment is becoming increasingly hostile,” one student lamented.
Reactions and Condemnations
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from various quarters. Political leaders, activists, and members of civil society have called for swift justice and measures to prevent such attacks in the future.
Opposition leader [Name] remarked, “This attack is not just an assault on Muslim students but on the values of tolerance and pluralism that India stands for. The government must ensure that our educational institutions are safe spaces for everyone.”
Social media platforms were flooded with expressions of solidarity for the victims, with hashtags like #JusticeForMuslimStudents and #StopReligiousViolence trending nationwide.
Conclusion
The attack on Muslim students at Gujarat University is a grim reminder of the growing religious tensions in India. As the country grapples with questions of communal harmony and inclusivity, incidents like these underscore the urgent need for stronger safeguards to protect religious minorities and international students.
For the victims and their families, the road to justice may be long, but the outcry from across the globe indicates a collective resolve to ensure that such incidents are neither forgotten nor repeated.