The anger in Wandoh Timothy’s voice was palpable when he recalled how he had been assaulted two weeks ago in the city. “I want this incident to bring about a change in the city and in the attitudes of people,” says the 44-year-old IT professional from ITPB, who is still recovering from his injuries.
The reason for the assault was that he had asked a bike rider to slow down to let him pass as he was going to pick up his daughter from school. Two weeks after the assault, Timothy still suffers from a swollen eye. He lives with his wife Beula and daughters in Kalyan Nagar. The attack strengthened his will to highlight the discrimination students from African nations face in Bangalore. “Members and representatives of various African countries will meet this week to discuss the issue threadbare,” he declared.
The Chad national said he had to spend a lot of money for treatment. The drunken assailant punched Timothy on his face, and soon was joined by other passersby who also attacked him. The police succeeded in nabbing only two of the assailants. These arrests were possible because Timothy snatched their identity cards during the attack. “There are reports that there were 12 assailants. We are trying to trace them,” said an investigator.
Vice president of the Federation of International Students Association in Bangalore (FISA-B), Robert Manzi, said the major issues students from African nations face are that of accommodation and exploitation by autorickshaw drivers.
The Rwanda national said house owners hesitate to let out houses to African students, believing they would create a commotion. Auto drivers demand abnormal fares “as we are not from the city”. Another problem is that if a student wanted to change college, they are asked to get a fresh visa.
