Africans told not to step out without police escorts in Greater Noida

Africans staying in Greater Noida should not step out of their houses, even to buy essential commodities, without a police escort, according to an advisory issued by the Gautam Budh Nagar district police. The advisory came after a series of racial attacks on African nationals in the area.

Africans staying in Greater Noida should not step out of their houses, even to buy essential commodities, without a police escort, according to an advisory issued by the Gautam Budh Nagar district police.

Police have asked members of the African community to move in groups and inform the cops about their movement. (Virendra Singh Gosain/HT Photo)

Police have restricted the movement of African students and working professionals staying in Greater Noida in the wake of the recent race riots, in order to ensure their safety. The development has come after a Kenyan national was allegedly attacked on Wednesday morning near her house in Greater Noida.

“Africans should avoid going to market places and colleges alone. Even if they have to buy essential commodities, they must inform the police about their movement and they must go in groups. They should avoid travelling alone,” said Abhinandan, assistant superintendent of police, Greater Noida I.

However, the police said that it is a temporary arrangement until the volatile situation is defused.

“We will take strict action against policemen who will not be present on the spot to escort the Africans,” said Abhinandan.

On Wednesday morning, Kenyan national Maria Burendi, was allegedly attacked by unknown people, while she was on her way to Astonia Apartments in Sector Pi.

For the past three days, the African community has been facing alleged racial attacks by the local residents. The problem started after 17-year-old Manish Khari died allegedly due to drug overdose.

Following the attack on Burendi, there has been increased pressure on the police and administration to provide safety to foreign nationals in the district.

Taking cognisance of the escalating tension, Greater Noida police held a ‘confidence building’ meeting with Africans at Astonia Apartments. ASP Abhinandan along with station house officers (SHOs) of Kasna and Knowledge Park police stations were present at the meeting.

The police officials assured the Africans that they will be provided adequate security.

“What has happened is very unfortunate and we trying our level best to defuse the situation. We will provide all Africans the contact number of nearby SHOs, commanding officers and sub-inspectors so that they can call in emergency situations,” said Abhinandan.

However, the African students seemed unhappy with the police arrangements made.

“Even after so much police haven’t provided sufficient security and today’s attack has proved it. We need more policemen to give us security,” said Abdul Wahim, a resident of Astonia.

David, a student of Kirori Mal College, said that he has been unable to attend college for the past five days.

“I have missed so many classes and my exams are coming. The current situation has not allowed me to even step out of my house. There is no police security. We can be attacked anywhere,” said David.