Four African nationals were allegedly attacked by a mob at Byrathi here, following which the state government said it would take stern action against the culprits.
"The attack took place when we were returning home, John, one of the four African nationals, said adding that he received multiple injuries.
"The mob attacked us around 12.30 AM and it continued till 3 AM. The incident took place when I and three others were returning home. I was chased and beaten up .... Have sustained multiple injuries," he said.
John said they did not know why they were assaulted in the incident, which took place on the intervening night of March 9 and 10 at Byrathi near Kothanur in north-east Bengaluru.
Speaking to reporters on the incident, Karnataka Home Minister K J George said, "An incident has come to our notice. We are investigating. We will take action. We want to ensure Africans are taken care of well."
On allegations that police were trying to cover up the incident by not registering the case against the mob, Police Commissioner M N Reddi said, "All people who allegedly attacked the Africans will be taken to task and there has been no cover up. These allegations are baseless."
A mob attacked Africans on the intervening night of March 9 and 10 around 12.30 AM when they were returning home, DCP North-East Vikas Kumar Vikas told PTI here.
However, police denied any assault in the incident, maintaining it was a verbal duel which resulted in "incidents of pushing and jostling".
Vikas also said the Africans do not want to file a case, but the police will take suo motu cognisance of the reported multiple injuries sustained by John and find out whether he suffered those injuries during the attack.
