Mob thrashes 4 African nationals in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, March 11: Four African nationals were allegedly attacked by a mob at Byrathi in Bengaluru, previously known as Bangalore, after residents were reportedly annoyed with them for creating "nuisance" in the area.

"The attack took place when we were returning home," John, an African national said, adding he received multiple injuries in the attack.

"The mob attacked us around 12.30am and it (the assault) continued till 3am. The incident took place when I and three others were returning home. I was chased and beaten up.... have sustained multiple injuries," he said.

Video: Bangalore attack caught on camera

John said they did not know why they were attacked, even as the police denied any assault in the incident which took place on Monday night at Byrathi near Kothanur in north-east Bengaluru.

Police, who were initially tight-lipped about the incident, maintained it was a verbal duel which resulted in "incidents of pushing and jostling".

"I was there at the Kothanur police station. I interacted with the African nationals and they told me that it was a minor incident, and there was no attack on them," additional commissioner of police (law and order) Alok Kumar told PTI.

The Africans do not want to file a case, he added.

However, police would take suo motu cognisance of the reported multiple injuries sustained by John and find out whether he suffered those injuries during the attack, Kumar said.

"We will take suo motu cognisance of the alleged injuries sustained by John and find out the truth," he added.

PTI