Nigerian students assaulted: Five detained, Sushma Swaraj speaks to UP CM, promises action; new attack video emerges

Pic courtesy: ANI/Facebook

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday assured that an impartial probe will be conducted in connection with the attack on four Nigerian students, who sustained severe injuries after being assaulted by a group of local residents in Greater Noida's Pari Chowk area.

"I have asked for a report from Government of Uttar Pradesh about the reported attack on African students in Noida," EAM Sushma Swaraj had 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 EAM also informed that she had spoken to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath about the attack on Nigerian students after which the latter assured of an impartial probe into the matter.

I have spoken to Yogi Adityanath ji Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh about attack on African students in Greater Noida. /1

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 28, 2017

I have spoken to Yogi Adityanath ji Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh about attack on African students in Greater Noida. /1 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 28, 2017

Responding to several tweets from African students based in Greater Noida, Swaraj assured them not to panic as the Government of India is seized of the matte and is taking immediate action in the case.

Sadiq - Government of India is seized of the matter. We are taking immediate action. https://t.co/SRdS2QGuj1 — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 28, 2017

The incident comes as locals protested following the death of a Class 12 student in Greater Noida's NSG Black Cats Enclave due to suspected drug overdose after which five Nigerian students living in the neighbourhood were booked - and later detained - in connection with the case. 

The victim - Manish Khari - had died on Saturday in a private hospital of “unknown poisoning”. 

Some locals alleged that the Class XII student was forced to inhale a substance by a dark-skinned person after which Khari passed out.

Suspected Nigerian students were booked for murder, kidnapping and using drugs, however, they were later released for lack of evidence.

Over 100 locals had earlier protested at the busy junction demanding that all Africans living in residential colonies in Greater Noida be asked to vacate their rented houses immediately.

Meanwhile, the Association of African Students in India had posted a video of more Africans being alllegedly attacked by a mob on Monday night at Ansal Plaza in Greater Noida.