Indian-origin UC Berkeley student paralysed after fall at fraternity party

Bandna Bhatti, a senior pursuing a degree in data science, reportedly fell from an outdoor staircase at the Phi Kappa Tau house during Cal Day, an annual campus event for incoming students.

She landed on a narrow pathway and struck her head but did not receive immediate medical attention, reportedly for seven hours. According to FOX KTVU and as highlighted in a family-run GoFundMe page, Bhatti lay unattended for around 15 minutes before friends found her.

Rather than contacting emergency services, those present allegedly asked her friends to leave the party with her. Unaware of the severity of her injuries, her friends took her home. It was only about seven hours later that they called 911, by which time her condition had worsened significantly.

Doctors have reportedly confirmed that Bhatti suffered a spinal fracture resulting in paralysis, as well as a brain haematoma, scapular fracture, and tearing of the dura, causing spinal fluid leakage.

She is currently hospitalised and will require long-term care, including physical therapy and rehabilitation.

The GoFundMe page created by her family notes that the incident has been life-altering and occurred just weeks before her graduation from UC Berkeley.

UC Berkeley has said it is aware of the police investigation and is offering support to the student and her family.

The national Phi Kappa Tau organisation also reportedly issued a statement expressing concern and affirming their commitment to safety.

The incident, widely reported across US media, has raised broader questions around student safety, emergency response, and accountability at campus events.