Ahmadabad: A clash erupted between foreign and local students at Gujarat University hostel on Saturday night, resulting in significant damages to property and injuries to students. The incident, which occurred around 10 PM, escalated quickly, leading to vandalism of rooms, laptops, AC units, and vehicles parked outside. A police report was filed at 12:45 AM, based on the complaint lodged by hostel security personnel.

The confrontation originated when some foreign students, predominantly from Afghanistan, Africa, and Sri Lanka, were offering Namaz in an open area within the hostel ground. Around 25 Hindu students objected to their choice of location, triggering a verbal altercation. The situation intensified when one Afghan student, identified as Harun Afghani, slapped a Hindu youth, sparking further clashes.

Stones were hurled, and physical altercations ensued, resulting in injuries to two foreign students – one from Sri Lanka and the other from Kazakhstan. Police intervention occurred swiftly, with law enforcement arriving at the scene within ten minutes of the incident. Authorities are scrutinizing various videos capturing the clash to gather evidence.

Investigations have revealed that foreign students had been utilizing a wall and stage within the hostel premises as an open mosque, where Namaz was performed regularly. The presence of Arabic script on the wall indicated its use as a makeshift prayer area, raising tensions among other hostel residents.

Political reactions have surfaced, with Congress and AIMIM extending support to the foreign Muslim students involved. AIMIM chief Owaisi shared videos from the perspective of the foreign students, while former Congress MLA Gyasuddin Sheikh voiced his support for them.

Law enforcement officials, along with the Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University, have visited the hostel premises to assess the situation. Nine investigative teams have been formed to probe the incident thoroughly. Additionally, the Minister of State for Home convened a meeting with the Police Commissioner to address the matter.

Student organizations like Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) have demanded strict action from the Gujarat government and police, emphasizing the need for enhanced campus security. Meanwhile, the Gujarat unit of Bajrang Dal highlighted their perspective, citing attempts to stop worshippers from offering Namaz in public places as the root cause of the clash.

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