Will talk to K'taka CM about attack on NE students: Rajnath

Expressing concern over the assault on three northeastern students in Bangalore, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said he would take up the issue with the Karnataka government for strict action against the culprits.

"I will talk to the Karnataka Chief Minister. Action should be taken. No one can discriminate against anyone on the basis of caste, creed and sect," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

Three students from the northeast were allegedly beaten up last night in a Bangalore locality for not speaking Kannada.

Michael, one of the victims, who received injuries to his forehead and hands, said that the attack took place at an eatery where he had gone with two others. The trio were at a table, discussing an event they were planning to hold when three locals came up to them.

"They said you are eating Karnataka food. You are living in Karnataka. You have to speak in Kannada. Why don't you speak in Kannada. Or else, get lost from this state. They later attacked and I had to defend and thus I received injuries," said Michael.

The three accused have already been arrested.