Indian Student Paralyzed After Assault in Australia

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Key Takeaways:

Indian student Devarshi Deka was brutally assaulted in Tasmania; attacker Benjamin Dodge Collings was charged with criminal assault.
Deka’s severe injuries include brain damage and paraplegia, requiring extensive medical treatment and ongoing care.
Friends appeal for financial support and government intervention to manage Deka’s recovery costs, highlighting international student vulnerabilities.

What Happened to the Indian Student in Tasmania?

On November 5, 2023, an Indian student named Devarshi Deka, who was pursuing his Master of Professional Accounting at the University of Tasmania, was brutally assaulted. The incident occurred at around 4:20 am local time at a precinct in Tasmania. The suspect, Benjamin Dodge Collings, has been identified, apprehended, and charged with criminal assault.

What Are the Consequences of the Assault?

Devarshi Deka was immediately taken to Royal Hobart Hospital following the attack. He was in a medically induced coma because of severe injuries, including ‘extradural bleeding’ that caused a shift in his brain, as well as a collapsed right lung. The injury required an extensive brain surgery that spanned several hours.

When Deka regained consciousness after three and a half months, his life had drastically changed. “My body has a mind of its own. It doesn’t want to move according to my wish like I was before,” Deka stated. He now suffers from a severe brain injury, impaired vision in his left eye, and paralysis in his legs, rendering him paraplegic.

How Is Devarshi Deka’s Recovery Being Managed?

Indian Student Paralyzed After Assault in Australia

At present, Devarshi is receiving ongoing care at the city’s repatriation center, supported by his insurance company. He expressed his gratitude for the lifesaving treatment by the medical team. “Right now, Dev’s being supported by his insurance company while he’s making medical progress,” said Rishabh Kaushik, a close friend of Devarshi.

Despite the care he is receiving, Devarshi is facing a challenging future. Since he is an overseas student, he cannot access Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme or Centrelink. This means he will require specialized equipment and continued medical assistance, which could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

What Support Does Devarshi Need?

His friend, Rishabh Kaushik, mentioned the dire financial situation his family is in regarding the ongoing medical expenses. “This support is going to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, which not us, not his parents, not the community can afford right now. And this is why our ask is for the government to help us so that we can make arrangements for Dev when he gets out of here,” Deka stated.

What Are Devarshi’s Future Options?

With his student visa set to expire in March next year, Devarshi’s options are limited. If no other support is found, his only alternative might be to return to India. According to Devarshi, “The flight to India will be covered by the insurance if that happens.”

How Can You Help?

Devarshi left a secure government job in India to pursue his higher education dreams in Australia. Having landed a part-time job, he went out to celebrate with friends on that fateful night, intending to start his new job the following day. Instead, he ended up in the hospital.

To support Devarshi’s recovery and help him rebuild his life, consider contributing to or promoting fundraising efforts organized by his friends and well-wishers. You can also bring attention to his case, prompting governmental and non-governmental organizations to step in and provide the necessary aid.

How To Find More Information About Helping Overseas Students?

To learn more about the support available for overseas students in Australia and similar cases, visit the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. This website offers comprehensive information on visas, including the requirements and procedures for obtaining the necessary support documents during medical emergencies or other unexpected situations.

Conclusion

The assault on Devarshi Deka, an Indian student in Tasmania, has resulted in severe physical and financial challenges. His case highlights the vulnerability of international students in dealing with unexpected traumatic incidents far from home. With collective effort, community support, and government intervention, there is hope for Devarshi to receive the necessary assistance to continue his recovery and eventually regain some stability in his life.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Student Visa: A type of visa issued by a government to individuals who wish to enter a country primarily to pursue an educational course at an accredited institution. In this context, Devarshi Deka holds a student visa to study in Australia.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): An Australian government program designed to provide support and services to individuals with a permanent and significant disability, not accessible to Devarshi as an international student.
Paraplegic: A condition resulting in the paralysis of the lower half of the body, often including both legs, typically caused by damage to the spinal cord. After the assault, Devarshi Deka is paraplegic due to his severe brain injuries.
Extradural Bleeding: A type of traumatic brain injury where bleeding occurs between the outer membrane of the brain (dura mater) and the skull, leading to increased pressure on the brain. Devarshi Deka suffered extradural bleeding following the assault.
Repatriation: The process of returning someone to their own country. In this case, Devarshi may be repatriated to India if no further support is accessible in Australia, and his insurance would cover the flight costs.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Indian student Devarshi Deka suffered serious injuries in Tasmania after a brutal assault. Facing paralysis and financial strain, he seeks ongoing care and support. His friends are raising funds, urging governmental help. Let’s rally together to aid Devarshi’s recovery and assist international students in times of crisis like his.
— By VisaVerge.com