Attack on Indian student in Milan case of robbery, not racist attack: Sushma Swaraj

Indian students have been assaulted in a string of incidents in northern Italy, the Indian Consulate in Milan has said.

The Consulate General of India (CGI) in Milan yesterday issued an advisory to Indian students and asked them not to panic.

"The Consulate has received reports of unfortunate incidents of attacks on Indian students in Milan. All Indian students are urged not to panic. The Consulate is taking up this matter with the highest level of law and order authorities in Milan," according to the advisory posted on Twitter.

Attack on Indian students in Italy - I have spoken to the concerned Indian student in Milan. /1

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 31, 2017

He has told me that this was a case of robbery and not a racial attack. /2

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 31, 2017

The advisory did not mention if the attacks on Indian students appeared to be racially motivated.

The CGI advised Indian students to be in touch with each other, especially when they go out.

It also advised students to spread information among other students from India about the areas where they have experienced "such incidents" so that such areas can be avoided.

In New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she had received a detailed report about the incidents.

Swaraj said she was personally monitoring the situation and asked the students not to worry.

"Attack on Indian students in Milan: I have got the detailed report. Please do not worry. I am monitoring the situation personally," Swaraj tweeted.

Swaraj also said that she has spoken to a victim.

"He has told me that this was a case of robbery and not a racial attack," she said, while appreciating the Indian Consulate in Milan for providing all help.