In a video posted on social media, Syed Mazahir Ali can be seen being chased by three men at night on February 4. Another video shows Ali with a bloodied nose, face, and blood stains on his clothes as he describes the horrifying ordeal.

The Indian consulate in Chicago has contacted local authorities to investigate the case and ensure justice for Ali.

Ali, who recently moved to the US from Hyderabad to pursue a Masters in Information Technology at Indiana Wesleyan University, recounted the incident to ABC7 Eyewitness News. He revealed that one of the attackers pointed a gun at him while the others chased him.

During the attack, Ali was punched in the eye and repeatedly hit on the face, ribs, and back. He was later taken to a local hospital where he received treatment for several cuts and bruises.

Expressing his trauma, Ali stated, “America has been my dream country, and I came here to fulfill my dreams and pursue my Masters. This incident has deeply affected me.”

The police have not yet apprehended any suspects, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Consulate General of India in Chicago has assured Ali and his wife, Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi, in India of all possible assistance. They have also reached out to local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.

This incident comes just days after the tragic death of 25-year-old Indian student Vivek Saini, who was brutally attacked with a hammer by a homeless drug addict in Georgia. The safety of Indian students studying in the US has become a growing concern.

Several other unfortunate incidents involving Indian students have been reported recently. These incidents highlight the urgent need for increased safety measures and support for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad.

Netizens Demand Travel Advisory for Indian Students

The series of incidents has led to growing anger and fear among netizens, who are now calling for a travel advisory to be issued for Indian students planning to study in the US. Many believe that the US is becoming an increasingly unsafe place for Indians.

Debashish Sarkar, a user on social media platform X, emphasized the need for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to issue an advisory for Indian students, stating that simply repatriating their remains is not enough.

Sonam Mahajan, another X user, called for India to issue a travel advisory against the US, warning Indian students about the potential risks they may face in terms of safety and security.

Netizens also urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to take swift action and ensure the safety of Indian students studying abroad.

India previously issued a travel advisory for its students and nationals in Canada, citing growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes and violence in the country. It may be time to consider a similar advisory for Indian students in the US.

Concerns Grow as Indian Students Account for a Significant Percentage of Foreign Students in the US

According to a November 2023 Open Doors report, Indian students constitute more than 25% of the over one million foreign students studying in the United States. The number of Indian students pursuing higher education in the US has been steadily increasing.

In the academic year 2022-23, the number of Indian students in the US reached an all-time high of 268,923, marking a 35% increase compared to previous years.

These incidents serve as a reminder of the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of Indian students studying abroad and to implement effective measures to prevent such attacks.