Now Delhi is becoming racist: Delhi HC on attack on Africans

The Delhi High Court today expressed anguish over the recent attacks on African nationals in the national capital saying the city is now "becoming racist".

Concerned over public taking law into their hands, a bench of justices B D Ahmed and R K Gauba said though there was "let up" from the crime against women, there have been attacks on African nationals.

"There is a let up from crime against women. Now Delhi is becoming racist. There have been attacks on African nationals. We do not know what is happening in the city," the bench said.

"We can only express anguish, you (government) are the executive, you will have to implement the directions given by the court," the bench further said while expressing concern that "public was taking law into their hands" and there was a need for government to take appropriate steps.

The court's oral observation came during hearing of a PIL initiated by it after the December 16, 2012 gangrape case, in which it has been giving directions from time to time regarding improving crime investigation and protection of women in the national capital.

The attacks on Africans took a diplomatic downturn following the May 20 attack on Congolese national Masunda Kitada Oliver who died in a brutal attack in south Delhi. There have been reports appearing everyday about alleged racist remarks and attacks on African nationals. However, the government has said all such incidents cannot be termed as racist.