An international student who came to Australia to make a living has been allowed to stay in the country after a suspected attack left him paraplegic.
Devarshi ‘Dev’ Deka, 33, began studying at the University of Tasmania last year before his exciting new life took a tragic turn last November.
The Indian student was at Salamanca market off Hobart celebrating landing a second job when he was allegedly attacked by a stranger.
Mr Deka, also known as “Dave” to his Australian friends, spent several months in a coma after being left paraplegic as well as suffering brain damage and serious eye injuries.
“I came here to study, I had a dream of doing something for myself,” Deka said. A current issue.
Ms Deka, who has been receiving treatment in hospital, is desperate to stay in Australia to access the medical care she needs.
He faced the prospect of being deported to India if he was not granted permanent residency.
Mr Deka’s family had previously said he would not be able to access much-needed medical support in India as the nearest hospital would be 130 kilometres away.
Devarshi ‘Dev’ Deka, 33 (pictured), was in an induced coma for several months following the alleged attack at Salamanca Market in Hobart in November 2023.
He eventually won his battle to remain in Australia after officials from the Department of Home Affairs visited him in hospital to deliver the shocking news.
Mr. Deka’s eyes filled with tears of joy when he learned he could stay.
“He looked at me and said, ‘Is that true?’ and I said, ‘Yes, you are a permanent resident, do you know that?'” said his close friend Rishabh ‘Rick’ Kaushik.
“I’m filled with gratitude and thankful to everyone who has been involved in this.”
TO GoFundMe It was previously set up to help cover Mr Deka’s medical expenses and keep his family together in Tasmania, and raised more than $94,000.
UTAS has also agreed to extend Mr Deka’s accommodation for as long as he needs it.
Ms Kaushik said it was an “emotional moment” for his parents, who also broke down after being informed of the decision to approve their son’s application.
The Indian international student (pictured centre) finally won his battle to remain in Australia after the Department of Home Affairs gave him the shocking news in hospital.
He said Mr Deka’s life was taken from him in an instant and the support his friend has received from locals has been overwhelming.
“This is the least we can do for someone who is going through such a difficult time in their life,” Kaushik said.
“I think that’s the Australian spirit because we help our mates and that’s what we’ve done.”
Mr Deka says his main goal is to be able to walk on his own again.
His parents will now travel between India and Australia to monitor his progress.
Mr Deka (pictured) says his main goal is to be able to walk on his own again, and his parents (pictured left and right) will travel between India and Australia to monitor his progress.
Benjamin Dodge Collings, 24, was charged with the alleged assault and appeared in Hobart Magistrates Court in June.
He is expected to appear before the Supreme Court at a later date.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Department of Home Affairs for further comment on Mr Deka’s case.
