Hobart, Australia – A 32-year-old Indian student, Devarshi Deka, who left his government job to pursue higher education in Australia, is now facing a challenging road to recovery after being brutally assaulted in Hobart. The incident, which took place on November 5 last year, has not only shattered Deka’s dreams but has also left his family struggling to cover the mounting medical costs.
Devarshi, known affectionately as Dev, traveled to Tasmania with hopes of a brighter future, enrolling in a Master’s program in Professional Accounting at the University of Tasmania. However, his aspirations were tragically interrupted when he was attacked while out celebrating a new part-time job opportunity with friends. The assault left him with a severe brain injury, impaired vision in one eye, and paralysis of his legs.
Following the attack, Deka was rushed to a hospital in Salamanca, where he remained in a medically induced coma for three and a half months. His recovery journey has been described as arduous and heartbreaking, with Deka expressing his struggles with regaining control over his body.
The individual accused of assaulting Deka, 25-year-old Benjamin Dodge Collings, was arrested shortly after the incident but was granted bail. Collings is facing charges of criminal code assault, which could result in a maximum sentence of 21 years if convicted.
Concerns have been raised about Deka’s future once his student visa and medical insurance expire in March of next year. As an international student, Deka does not qualify for certain support systems in Australia, making his ongoing care and rehabilitation uncertain.
To help cover Deka’s immediate needs, his friend Rishabh Kaushik has launched a GoFundMe campaign and is advocating for long-term governmental support. Despite facing challenges and racist abuse while caring for their son in Australia, Deka’s parents remain hopeful that adequate support will be provided for his recovery.
While the legal process unfolds, Devarshi Deka and his family continue to navigate a difficult path, grappling with financial and emotional burdens following the tragic assault. The University of Tasmania has stepped in to offer assistance to the family, including providing accommodation, but the duration of this support remains uncertain.