No Arrest in African Nationals Attack Case, Centre Assures Action

No arrests have been made even three days after at least six African nationals were allegedly attacked in South Delhi. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has assured action in the case and raised the issue with Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.

The incident took place in Rajpur Khurd village in South Delhi's Mehrauli on Thursday.

"I have spoken to Rajnath Singh and Lt Governor Delhi regarding the attack on African nationals in South Delhi. They assured me that the culprits will be arrested soon and sensitisation campaign will be launched in areas where African nationals reside," tweeted Swaraj.

The minister also asked Union Minister General (retd) VK Singh and Secretary (Economic Relations) Amar Sinha to meet African students who have announced a protest demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

Assuring action, Rajnath Singh said, "I spoke to the Delhi Police Commissioner regarding the incident of physical assault against certain African nationals in New Delhi. Such incidents are condemnable. I have instructed the Commissioner to take strict action against the attackers and increase police patrolling in these areas to ensure security of everyone."

The police said that it had identified some of the culprits.

"One Nigerian national got hurt. We took pro-active action. We told him to file a complaint so that we can register a case. We have identified some, we will arrest them today. We have filed four cases in different locations," said Ishwar Singh, DCP South Delhi.

To defuse tensions, police conducted a meeting between Africans national and the Residents Welfare Association.

The attack comes days after Masunda Oliver, a Congolese student, was killed in the national capital which caused a diplomatic stir.

Oliver's uncle will arrive on Monday to take his body. The MEA said that it will assist the family in travelling to India.

"In the unfortunate death of Mr Masunda Oliver, the government will assist his family to travel to India to receive his mortal remains. We will also arrange for his mortal remains to be transported to DR Congo at our expense," the ministry said in a statement.