Greater Noida violence: African envoys term incident "xenophobic", India denies
Diplomatic relations were hit after African envoys described the recent Greater Noida violence as "xenophobic and racial"; rejecting the statement, India called it unfortunate and unwarranted. African nations also rebuked India for taking "no known, sufficient and visible deterring measures" to prevent such crimes. However, India said only a few African countries had issued the statement, and maintained immediate arrests had been made.
African nationals assaulted in Greater Noida over local boy's death
Greater Noida residents assaulted several Nigerian nationals and allegedly abducted a girl after accusing them of drugging a local teen youth. Class 12 student Manish Khari died of a cardiac arrest on March 26 due to a suspected drug overdose. A peaceful protest march over his death turned violent after protesters saw the Nigerians shopping at a local store near Pari Chowk.
What happened?
A Nigerian girl went missing from 7pm and was found over three hours later at a hospital, but police denied any abduction. After locals' complaints, police also picked up five Nigerians for questioning and confiscated their passports, but they were released due to lack of evidence. Five people have been held for their involvement in the violence; more arrests are expected.
Residents vs African nationals
Greater Noida residents are unhappy with the growing population of Africans, who they allege create menace in the locality. Many demand eviction of Africans living on rent. Meanwhile, Africans claimed the violence was racial. "As an international student, you need to act fast as living for us in Noida is becoming a life threatening issue," tweeted Sadiq Bello to Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Attack on Nigerians: Five arrested by Noida Police
Five people were arrested by Noida Police over the recent attack on four Nigerian students. Assistant Director General (law and order), Daljeet Chaudhary said "FIR registered, action will be taken accordingly." UP Chief Minister Adityanath has promised to conduct a "fair investigation" into the matter. One of the assaulted students said "No one called the police. Even our college did not help."
Greater Noida case: Police probing anti-African hate messages on WhatsApp
The Greater Noida Police has begun investigations into anti-African 'hate messages', which began circulating on WhataApp days prior to the attacks on African nationals in the region. Gautam Budh Nagar superintendent of police Sujata Singh said the Ministry of External Affairs has also sought a report on the matter. She added that based on evidence, police would book the admins of such WhatsApp groups.
