Rajnath asks police to take strict action in cases of attacks on Africans

New Delhi, May 29: Home Minister Rajnath Singh today asked Delhi Police Chief Alok Kumar Verma to take strict action against those involved in recent attacks against African nationals. Singh, who had called Verma to his residence, expressed concern over the attacks and said stern action be taken against the perpetrators.

In the backdrop of cases of assault on African nationals and outrage by envoys of African countries over killing of a Congolese youth, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today spoke to Singh and Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung to ensure safety of the community and strict action against the guilty.

"Spoke to Commissioner of Police, Delhi regarding the incidents of physical assault against certain African nationals. Such incidents are condemnable," the Home Minister said in a tweet after the meeting with Verma.

He asked Delhi Police to increase patrolling in areas inhabited by African nationals and ensure their security.

"Instructed CP Delhi to take strict action against the attackers and increase patrolling in these areas to ensure security of everyone," Singh tweeted.

There have been spate of attacks on Africans living in the national capital, including killing of the Congolese youth. A 23-year-old Nigerian student was assaulted in Hyderabad on Wednesday. Three cases of physical assault and criminal intimidation of African nationals in South Delhi have been registered by the police.

Two women -- one from Uganda and the other from South Africa -- and two Nigerian men in South Delhi had filed complaints of physical assault and criminal intimidation.

Envoys of African countries had expressed shock over the killing of the Congolese youth, following which India had assured them of safety and security of all African nationals.

PTI