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Melbourne: In a terrifying act, an Indian student, a resident of Assam, pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Tasmania is in a medically induced coma after a horrific attack. The incident, which unfolded on November 5 in Tasmania, left the student with serious injuries, including extradural bleeding, which left his brain displaced and a collapsed right lung. The 20-year-old student had to undergo extensive brain surgery due to the severity of his injuries.
The identity of the student has not been revealed yet. He was immediately taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where the seriousness of his condition became clear. According to reports, his right lung collapsed and he had to undergo brain surgery, a procedure lasting several hours.
Benjamin Dodge Collings, 25, of Lenah Valley, has been arrested and charged with criminal code assault in connection with the incident. This charge carries a maximum punishment of 21 years in prison. Despite the seriousness of the charges, Collings was granted bail by a magistrate and is expected to return to court on December 4 to answer to various charges including assault, providing false information, resisting arrest and an unrelated driving offence.
The University of Tasmania is fully aware of this incident and has offered its support to the student’s family. The university has appointed a complex case manager, providing translators, liaison, accommodation and other types of assistance.
The family of the victim, residing in Assam, India, does not possess passports to travel to Australia. However, the university has maintained regular contact with them, discouraging them of their commitment to the student’s welfare and justice.
University of Tasmania media director Ben Wild acknowledged that the university is limited in commenting further due to the ongoing legal proceedings. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of international students in Australia, with the case a reminder of the dangers they may face. The student’s loved ones are determined to raise awareness of his condition and the hardships he is facing, saying he ‘doesn’t deserve’ the hardships he is facing.
