An Indian-origin student entered into a state of a medically induced coma after he allegedly got assaulted at an area in Australia’s Tasmania. The student whose identity has not been ascertained yet is in his 20s and has been pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Tasmania.
As per media report, a suspect has been taken into custody and charged with criminal assault.
The incident took place on November 5 following which the victim suffered extra jural bleeding thereby causing his brain to shift, Sydney-based Special Broadcasting Service reported. According to reports, his right lung collapsed and he had to undergo several-hours long brain surgery.
The suspect taken into police custody soon after the incident was identified as 25-year-old Benjamin Dodge Collings, a resident of Lenah Valley. He was charged with criminal code assault, an offence carrying a maximum sentence of 21 years in prison.
However, Collings was granted a magistrate bail but he is scheduled to return to court on December 4 in order to respond to the charges that includes assault, providing a false address and name, resisting a police officer and unrelated driving offences.
Talking about the incident, the Media Director at University of Tasmania, Ben Wild said that the establishment is aware about the incident. When asked about the measures that the university has taken to assist the student in these difficult times, Wild said they have been in regular contact with the family and has assigned a complex case manager to the case. He further said that translators, liaison, accommodation and other support has also been assigned to the injured student.
“The case has also undergone the court system and we are very limited in what we can say,” he added.
(with PTI inputs)