Tanzanian student attack: Notices issued to Karnataka Chief Secy, DGP

New Delhi: Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports on the alleged stripping of a Tanzanian girl student and forcing her to walk "without her top" in Bengaluru on the night of January 31, the National Human Rights Commission on Friday issued notices to the Karnataka Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee and Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash to submit a report within two weeks regarding the action taken in the matter.

NHRC member Justice D. Observed, "If the contents of the report are true, the incident would amount to a serious violation of human rights, including racism,"

As per reports, on February 4, when the 21-year-old Tanzanian student was allegedly stripped by a mob, a police constable, who was present at the scene, remained a mute spectator, said a press release by the NHRC, adding that she lodged a complaint with police as well.

Reportedly, 30 minutes before the incident, a road accident took place, wherein the car driven by a Sudanese Medical student claimed the life of a local resident, while leaving another injured.

Following which, a mob gathered and stopped the car in which the Tanzanian student was travelling with her friends. The mob set her car on fire and also targeted the student.

The student attempted to board a bus, but passengers allegedly pushed her away. Later, she tried to hire an auto-rickshaw, but the driver purportedly refused.

The mob allegedly continued to thrash the student and her friends, making them to run for their lives. A passerby, who offered her a T-shirt was allegedly also attacked, said the NHRC release.

The Union Home Ministry has also sought a report from the Karnataka Government over the incident. It has also sought details of steps taken for the protection of the victim.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju termed the alleged assault of the Tanzanian student as "a matter of shame". "The country will not tolerate any racial discrimination," he added.