Hyderabad student attacked in Chicago, wife seeks Jaishankar's aid

PTC News Desk: An unsettling incident has shaken the Indian community as an Indian-origin student, Syed Mazahir Ali, faced a terrifying ordeal in Chicago. Hailing from Hyderabad, Ali, a master's degree student at Indiana Wesleyan University, became a victim of a vicious attack and robbery by armed assailants near his West Ridge apartment on February 4.

According to reports from ABC7Chicago, Ali was returning home carrying food when he was ambushed by four individuals who subjected him to a brutal assault, leaving him with severe cuts and bruises. In a distressing video that circulated widely, Ali can be heard pleading for help as he recounts the harrowing experience of being cornered, kicked, punched, and robbed of his phone by the assailants.

The assailants, captured on another video, can be seen pursuing Ali as he attempts to flee the scene. Ali described the attack, detailing the blows he endured to his eye, face, ribs, and back inflicted by his attackers. Along with his cellphone, the robbers also stole his wallet before making their escape. The incident has deeply alarmed Ali's family in Hyderabad, including his wife and three young children, who are distraught over his well-being. Urgently seeking assistance, Ali's wife has reached out to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, appealing for intervention to ensure Ali receives proper medical attention and support.

In response to the plea for help, the Indian consulate in Chicago has assured Ali and his family of all possible assistance. A statement issued by the consulate confirmed their engagement with Ali and his wife, Syeda Ruquiya Fatima Razvi, assuring them of ongoing support. Additionally, the consulate has liaised with local authorities involved in investigating the case.

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The distressing incident has prompted introspection within the Indian community, with Ali's cousin, Abdul Wahab Mohammed, expressing concerns about the safety and security of Indian students abroad. Mohammed contemplated discontinuing his own studies to return to their home country in light of such incidents, highlighting the absence of adequate security measures.

For Ali, who had harbored dreams of pursuing education and opportunities in the United States, the ordeal has shattered his perception of safety and security. Expressing shock and trauma over the incident, Ali lamented, "America is my dream country. I came here to fulfill my dreams and pursue my master’s degree, but yesterday’s incident has left me traumatized."

As Ali strives to recover from the physical and psychological wounds inflicted upon him, his family's plea for assistance underscores the pressing need for ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian students abroad.

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(Inuts from agencies)