Govt promises strictest action if attacks on Africans found to have racial angle

With attacks on African nationals continuing to hog limelight, the government today promised strictest possible action if such assaults were found to have a racial angle. “If racial angle is found in any of the case, strictest of possible action will be taken,” Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters here.

The minister was replying to a question on whether the recent incidents of attacks on African nationals in Delhi allegedly had a racial angle. “We have taken up all the incidents very seriously. Action is being taken and some arrests have already been made,” he said.

On the attack on a taxi driver allegedly by a group of Africans here today, Rijiju said anyone taking law in their hands would be punished. “Maintaining law and order is our responsibility. Be it Indian citizens or foreign nationals, anyone who takes law in their hands won’t be spared,” he said.

There has been a series of attacks on African nationals in the last few days, including killing of a Congolese youth in the national capital. A 23-year-old Nigerian student was also assaulted in Hyderabad. Five people have been arrested in connection with the attacks on African nationals here.