[Watch] Armed Assailants Target Indian Student In Chicago; Spouse Implores S Jaishankar For Help

Chicago: A distressing video captured an Indian student in Chicago, Syed Mazahir Ali, bleeding heavily from his nose and mouth after being attacked by robbers. His family in Hyderabad has expressed concern and requested the government to permit his wife to travel to the US to be with him.

Syeda Ruquliya Fatima Rizvi, Ali’s wife, has reached out to Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, urging him to ensure that Ali receives adequate medical treatment. “I am very much worried about safety and security of my husband in Chicago, USA. I request you to kindly help him in getting best medical treatment and if possible kindly make necessary arrangements so I can travel to USA along with my three minor children to be with my husband,” her letter read.

Ali, originally from Hyderabad, is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Indiana Wesleyan University in Chicago. He was assaulted by armed robbers on February 4, near his apartment in West Ridge, according to a report by ABC7Chicago,

In a widely circulated video, Ali can be heard stating that he was attacked by four individuals while returning home. “I was carrying food back home when four people cornered me, kicked and punched me, and ran away with my phone. Please help me,” Ali said in the video.

Another video shows the assailants pursuing Ali as he attempts to flee to safety. “There were punches on my eye, and they were hitting me with their legs on my face, on my ribs, on my back,” the ABC7Chicago quoted Ali as saying.

Meanwhile, the Indian consulate in Chicago stated on Tuesday, that it is in contact with Ali and his wife, assuring them of all available assistance in the situation. “Consulate is in touch with Syed Mazahir Ali and his wife in India Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi and assured all possible assistance. Consulate has also contacted the local authorities who are investigating the case,” the Indian consulate in Chicago posted on X.

The attack on Ali comes in the wake of five Indian-origin students being found dead in the United States this year.