A Nigerian student in India has been mercilessly assaulted in a shocking racist attack after his Indian neigbour thrashed him with an iron rod inflicting serious injuries on his body.
Damilola Kazeem (Facebook:Nigerian Association-TS)
A 23-year-old Nigerian student was thrashed with an iron rod in what is thought to be a suspected racist attack. The incident occurred in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad as cases of racism against black people climbs to a record high.
The student was left with a broken head and blood dripping all over his face and body.
Trouble started following a dispute between Damilola Kazeem and his Indian neighbour over a parking space in the area. The neighbour has been detained by the police following the incident. It is still unclear if it was a racially-motivated attack as there are conflicting local reports.
The ministry's spokesperson tweeted: "Reports of a Nigerian student injured in Hyderabad: EAM [External Affairs Ministry] @SushmaSwaraj has urgently sought report from state govt, is monitoring the case."
Emmanuel Omurunga, chairman of the African Students Association in the state of Telangana, said: "The situation in India is no longer safe for us. Even the police are not willing to help us when we approach them," according to The Hindu.
In a similar attack recently, a Congolese national, Masonda Ketada Oliver, was beaten to death by a local mob after an argument. Three men chased the man hurling rocks. The incident yet again highlighted the rise in such assaults in the country.