Hobart, Tasmania – An Indian student, Devarshi Deka, who gave up his government job to pursue higher education in Australia, is now facing a challenging journey after a brutal assault in Hobart left him paralyzed. The attack, which took place last November, not only shattered Deka’s dreams of a better future through education but also placed a heavy financial burden on his family as they struggle to cover his medical expenses.
Deka, affectionately known as Dev, had embarked on his academic journey in Tasmania with hopes of obtaining a Master’s in Professional Accounting at the University of Tasmania. However, his aspirations were cruelly interrupted when he was viciously assaulted while celebrating a new part-time job with friends. The assault resulted in severe brain injury, impaired vision in his left eye, and the inability to move his legs.
Following the attack, Deka was rushed to a hospital in Salamanca where he spent three and a half months in a medically induced coma. His road to recovery has been challenging and heart-rending, with Deka expressing the difficulty he faces in moving his body as he desires, requiring assistance for even the simplest tasks like shifting in bed.
The man accused of assaulting Deka, 25-year-old Benjamin Dodge Collings, was arrested shortly after the incident but was later granted bail. Collings faces charges of criminal code assault, with a possible maximum sentence of 21 years if convicted.
Concerns have been raised about Deka’s future as his student visa and medical insurance are set to expire in March next year. As an international student, Deka does not qualify for Australia’s Centerlink or the National Disability Insurance Scheme, complicating his ongoing care and rehabilitation.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Deka’s friend, Rishabh Kaushik, to help cover his immediate needs, as well as appeals to the government for long-term support. Despite facing racist abuse while caring for their son in Australia, Deka’s parents, Kula and Deepalee Deka, remain hopeful that the Australian government will step in to support their son’s recovery. The University of Tasmania has also been providing assistance to the family, including accommodation, during this difficult time.
With legal proceedings ongoing, the future remains uncertain for Devarshi Deka and his family, who now grapple with both financial and emotional challenges in the aftermath of the tragic event. The journey towards recovery for Devarshi will undoubtedly be a long and arduous one, as he and his loved ones navigate the uncertainty that lies ahead.