On July 15th, two Nigerian nationals studying at Roorkee Institute of Technology were thrashed. Several videos have surfaced on Twitter, of a violent mob mercilessly thrashing the two students.
What happened?
As per their statements, the two students in question had run out of money due to the lockdown. They used to have their meals in the college canteen, but the manager stopped providing food as they could not make their monthly payment. Desperate to have a meal and with all restaurants closed, they requested to be allowed to travel to their friend’s house for food. The administration denied permission but with nowhere to eat, they snuck out anyway.
Upon returning to the campus, the two were confronted by the security guard and got into an argument. Reports claim that the administration later called in goons to beat them up. The video of the two students, without their shirts and crying in pain ‘oh God, oh God’ in the back of the car, has gone viral on social media. This is eerily reminiscent of the cries of George Floyd in his last moments.
What action has been taken?
On the complaint of Nigerian student Francis Koyang, an FIR was registered against the college director Parag Jain, registrar Munendra Chauhan, five security guards and a non-teaching staff member. They were later arrested.
Meanwhile local students and National Student Union of India (NSUI) have come out in support of the Nigerian students demanding stern legal action against the private college management and their security guards. Protests were staged outside the college gate by NSUI and Bhim Army activists condemning the action of the college management and security personnel.
Circle officer Mangalore Abhay Singh said that no one will be allowed to take law into their own hands. He said security has been beefed up in the college area with CCTV footage being monitored as well.
One of the two students is now recovering in a hospital.