AMN /
NEW DELHI: Six African nationals were attacked in Delhi on Thursday night in south Delhi’s Mehrauli area, a week after a Congolese national was beaten to death in the city.
Two of them have alleged they were beaten with cricket bats. Police have said the attacks were “isolated incidents” not racist in nature.
According to the police, the six nationals were injured in three separate incidents on Thursday night in Mehrauli, where around 300 African nationals live. Among the complainants are two women – one from Uganda and the other from South Africa – and at least two Nigerian men.
Three separate police cases have been registered and a few people have been detained for interrogation, but the police have denied that the attacks were planned. They say two attacks happened after a heated argument over some African nationals playing loud music late at night in the area.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the culprits involved in attack on African nationals in South Delhi will be arrested soon.
In a tweet, Mrs Swaraj said, she has spoken to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung over the issue.
She said, the Home Minister has assured her of prompt action against the guilty.
Mrs Swaraj also said, a sensitization campaign will be launched in areas where African nationals reside.
Mr Rajnath Singh has also spoken to Delhi Police Commissioner Alok Kumar Verma regarding the incident of physical assault against certain African nationals.
In a tweet, Mr Singh said, such incidents are condemnable and has instructed Delhi Police Commissioner to take strict action against the attacker.
The minister said, he has also asked Mr Verma to increase police patrolling in those areas where African nationals reside, to ensure security.
The External Affairs Ministry also said, the government will assist the family of Congolese student Masunda Oliver who was murdered last week, to travel to India to receive his mortal remains.
The Ministry will also arrange for his mortal remains to be transported to DR Congo at the government expense.
Six African nationals were attacked in Delhi on Thursday night in south Delhi’s Mehrauli area, a week after a Congolese national was beaten to death in the city. Two of them have alleged they were beaten with cricket bats. Police have said the attacks were “isolated incidents” not racist in nature.