Don't leave, Sisodia tells Africans in south Delhi

There is no need for Africans to leave a south Delhi neighbourhood where they were allegedly attacked by an AAP minister and his supporters, the Delhi government said Friday.

Education Minister Manish Sisodia said it was unfortunate that a section of Africans residing in Khirki Extension was leaving the area.

"I appeal to the (African) people not to leave Khirki Extension," he told the media. "The people of Khirki Extension are well meaning. I appeal to them too to persuade them (Africans) to stay on."

Delhi Law Minister Somnath Bharti has come under widespread criticism for allegedly leading a midnight raid in the area last week as part of a campaign against an alleged sex-and-drug ring.

A group of Africans, including women from Uganda and Nigeria, allege they were attacked and molested by the mob led by the minister. Bharti has denied the allegation.

The area residents Thursday evening held a candle march supporting Bharti's action.

According to a resident who did not wish to be named, the members of residents' welfare association Friday circulated a letter in the neighbourhood instructing the residents to ask their African tenants to leave the area.