Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj seeks report on arrest of African students in UP

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has sought information from the Uttar Pradesh government over the arrest of some African students for their alleged role in the death of a class 12 student in Greater Noida, near Delhi. The incident happened when a protest march by locals over the death of the class 12 student turned violent. Several Nigerians were reportedly beaten up by the mob.

“I have asked for a report from Government of Uttar Pradesh about the reported attack on African students in Noida,” Ms Swaraj said in a tweet.

Locals blamed Africans for drugging Manish Khari. The 17-year-old student, who died of a cardiac arrest on Saturday, had reportedly overdosed on drugs. 2 Nigerians were among others who were out shopping when the mob attacked them, after a peaceful protest turned violent. Police had to resort to baton charge to bring the situation under control. Three Nigerians have been admitted in a hospital in Greater Noida.

According to reports, five Nigerian students have been picked up by the police for their alleged role in the death of the student. An investigation is currently under way to find out about the reported use of drugs.