Indian Student’s Australian Dream Turns to Tragedy After Assault Leads to Severe Disability

Devarshi Deka, an Indian student, arrived in Australia last year brimming with hope and ambition to pursue a Masters of Professional Accounting at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) in Hobart. He had left a secure government job in India to follow his dream. However, what began as a hopeful journey quickly turned into a devastating nightmare with lifelong repercussions.

In November, Dev went out to celebrate securing a part-time job with friends in Hobart’s Salamanca. The night, meant to be joyous, took a tragic turn when he was allegedly assaulted. Instead of starting his new job the next day, Dev was rushed to the hospital and placed in a medically induced coma, as reported by abc.net.au.

After three and a half months, Dev regained consciousness, only to find his life irreversibly changed. He described his new reality to the news outlet, saying, “My body has a mind of its own. It doesn’t want to move according to my wish like I was before.” Dev now suffers from a severe brain injury that has impaired vision in his left eye and left him unable to use his legs. “It’s very bleak and grim. I need to call up the nurses for help if I want to make a move on the bed itself,” he said.

Dev expressed his gratitude for the lifesaving treatment he received at the Royal Hobart Hospital and the ongoing care at the city’s repatriation center, where he currently resides. His friend, Rishabh Kaushik, shared that Dev is presently supported by his insurance company while he continues to make medical progress.

However, Dev faces significant challenges due to his status as an overseas student. He cannot access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or Centrelink benefits. If he leaves the repatriation center, Dev will need specialized equipment and assistance to continue living in Hobart, as his family and he hope. This support is expected to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, a sum beyond the reach of his family and community.

Kaushik highlighted the urgent need for government assistance, stating, “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.”

Dev’s only viable option might be to return to India, potentially before his student visa expires in March next year. If this happens, his insurance will cover the flight to India. According to doctors, Dev will be paraplegic for the rest of his life.

Dev’s journey, which started with dreams and aspirations, has now turned into a plea for help and support as he navigates a future drastically altered by an unforeseen tragedy.