International student Devarshi 'Dev' Deka fights to stay in Australia after suspected attack leaves him paraplegic

An Indian student is fighting to stay in Australia after becoming paraplegic following a horrific suspected attack in Tasmania.

Devarshi “Dev” Deka began studying at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) last year, but her exciting new life took a tragic turn after an alleged assault in November.

Mr Deka was at Salamanca Market on Hobart's waterfront when he was allegedly assaulted, leading to him being placed in an induced coma.

It was later discovered that Mr Deka had become paraplegic and suffered a brain injury.

Mr Deka is determined to remain in Australia where he can receive high-quality medical care while being surrounded by those he loves.

He celebrated his 33rd birthday in north Hobart on Saturday, which his close friend Rishabh 'Rick' Kaushik said showed he was supported by the community.

“The reason they are here is just to show Dev that he is not alone in his fight; he is not alone in these difficult times and that has sharpened the image of Tasmania in Dev’s brain,” Mr Kaushik told the ABC.

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“That’s one of the main reasons he doesn’t want to leave, because he knows the people here love him and they will continue to love him until he can stay here. “

Mr Deka's father, Kula Ranjan Depa, also shared the family's “gratitude” for the community's support, as the emotional support helps his son both mentally and physically.

A huge GoFundMe set up to help cover Mr Dek's medical bills and keep his family together in Tasmania has raised more than $94,000 from more than 1800 donors.

UTAS also agreed to extend Mr Deka's accommodation for as long as he needs it.

However, unless Mr. Deka obtains permanent residency before his student visa expires, he will be forced to return to India.

His return flight would be covered by insurance but not his ongoing treatment.

Mr Deka's family said he would not be able to access much-needed medical support in India.

The Multicultural Council of Tasmania has launched a petition to pressure Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff to push the federal government to grant Mr Deka permanent residency.

The petition had more than 6,400 signatures as of Monday morning but will be closed at midnight.

His sponsor, Greens MP Helen Burnett, said the number of signatories already supporting Mr Deka was “an incredible show of strength”.

“This happened in Tasmania and it's very important that Australians, and Tasmanians in particular, show that support and that's what they're doing by signing this petition,” she said.

The petition will be tabled in Parliament next week.

Mr Kaushik said Mr Deka was steadily improving through his continued rehabilitation and treatment.

A 24-year-old man has been charged over the alleged assault and is due to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court in June.