The recent brutal attack on Indian student Syed Mazahir Ali in Chicago has once again raised concerns about the safety and security of international students, particularly those from India, studying in the United States. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, left Ali injured and shaken, highlighting the vulnerability of students living abroad.
According to social media videos circulating online, Syed Mazahir Ali was attacked by four men while he was on his way home. In a distressing video, Ali can be seen bleeding profusely as he recounts the harrowing ordeal. He describes how the attackers kicked and punched him, as well as snatched his phone, leaving him traumatized and in need of assistance. Another video, purportedly CCTV footage of the incident, shows Ali being chased by three attackers on the streets of Chicago.
Originally from Hyderabad, Telangana, Syed Mazahir Ali is pursuing a Masters in IT from Indiana Weslay University, highlighting the significant number of Indian students studying in various educational institutions across the United States. The attack on Ali underscores the challenges and risks faced by international students, who often find themselves in unfamiliar environments far from home.
In response to the incident, the Indian Consulate in Chicago has taken swift action, stating that it is in touch with Ali and his wife in India, Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi, and has assured them of all possible assistance. The Consulate has also reached out to local authorities, who are currently investigating the case. This proactive approach by the Indian Consulate demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals living abroad.
The attack on Syed Mazahir Ali comes at a time when there has been a disturbing trend of violence against Indian students in the United States. Just last week, Shreyas Reddy, an Indian student at the Linder School of Business in Cincinnati, Ohio, was found dead under mysterious circumstances, raising concerns about the safety of Indian students studying in American universities. This tragic incident follows a series of other disturbing incidents involving Indian students in the US.
On January 30, Neel Acharya, a student at Purdue University, was discovered dead after being missing for several days, highlighting the vulnerabilities faced by international students living far from home. Additionally, on January 29, Vivek Saini, another Indian student, was tragically killed when a homeless man attacked him with a hammer inside a store in Lithonia, Georgia. A video of the incident went viral on social media, further highlighting the risks faced by Indian students abroad.
These incidents have sent shockwaves through the Indian student community and raised questions about the safety measures in place to protect international students in the United States. Many students and their families are now calling for greater security measures and support services to ensure the safety and well-being of students studying abroad.
In response to these concerns, universities and educational institutions in the US are reviewing their security protocols and providing additional support services to international students. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of violence and ensure the safety of all students, regardless of their nationality or background.
As investigations into the attack on Syed Mazahir Ali continue, it is essential for authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions. Additionally, efforts must be made to enhance security measures and support services for international students to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. Only then can students like Syed Mazahir Ali feel safe and secure while pursuing their educational goals abroad.
