Bandna Bhatti
US: Indian-origin UC Berkeley student paralysed after suffering 12-feet fall just weeks before graduating
An Indian-origin student, who was just weeks away from graduating from the University of California, Berkeley, USA, was left paralysed from her waist down after falling from the balcony while attending a fraternity house party last month.
21-year-old Bandna Bhatti is studying Data Science at the university.
"She cannot walk. She cannot move her body," her mother, Sukh Bhatti, told KTVU.
"She's paralyzed, asking me questions, ‘can I graduate? Can I go to my graduation?’" she said
The incident reportedly happened at Phi Kappa Tau fraternity on Piedmont Avenue on April 19.
According to KTVU report, the Indian-origin woman was on an external metal stairway and slipped off at about 1 p.m., falling at least 12 feet and hitting her head before landing in a narrow passageway outside the fraternity.
Her family members alleged she did not receive proper medical treatment for seven hours.
Her friends reportedly called 911 not before realising the seriousness of her injury.
Her family members have set up a GoFundMe account to help with her medical expenses.
As per the page, she sustained severe injuries, including tearing of the dura with spinal fluid leakage, a scapular fracture, and a brain hematoma.
"These injuries are not only life-altering but will require extensive and ongoing medical care, including physical therapy, rehabilitation, and specialized support to help her navigate this new chapter," the page said.
Reactions
Matt Arnold, Chief Executive Officer of Phi Kappa Tau, told PEOPLE in a statement: "We are deeply concerned by recent reports of an incident involving a young student who was reportedly injured near the Phi Kappa Tau chapter house at the University of California, Berkeley."
UC Berkeley offers support
UC Berkeley said it is ready to offer support to the injured student and her family.
"UC Berkeley is aware of an ongoing police investigation regarding reports of a student being injured near or at a fraternity," UC Berkeley said in a statement to PEOPLE. "Our thoughts are with the student, their family, loved ones and friends during this time. We are following our protocols to offer support to the student and their family."
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