Following an attack on Indian student Varun Raj Pucha in Indiana, the US State Department expressed regret over the incident. Varun, a Computer Science student, is currently in critical condition after being stabbed at a gym in Indiana. The State Department wished him a full recovery and deferred any inquiries about the ongoing case to local law enforcement.
"We are deeply disturbed by reports of a brutal attack against Indian graduate student Varun Raj Pucha. We wish him a full recovery from his injuries. We defer to local law enforcement for any questions about this ongoing case," stated a US State Department spokesperson to ANI.
Varun was attacked by 24-year-old assailant Jordan Andrade with a knife to the temple at a public gym on Sunday morning. The reasons for the attack are still under investigation. After three days of treatment, Varun remains on life support with severe neurological impairment. He is expected to suffer permanent disability, partial or complete vision loss, and left-sided weakness, according to PTI reports.
The attacker, Jordan Andrade, has been arrested and is facing charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and attempted murder. Due to the seriousness of Varun's injuries, he has been transferred to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
The president of Valparaiso University expressed shock over the brutal attack on one of its students. "We are shocked and saddened by the attack on Varun Raj Pucha. At Valparaiso University, we consider each other family, and this incident is horrifying for us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of his friends and family," said José Padilla, the university's president, in a statement reported by the Post-Tribune on Wednesday.
"In addition to our thoughts and prayers, the University and Valpo Community are offering all assistance and resources available to help Varun's family get to the United States as quickly as possible," added Michael Fenton in an email to the Chicago Tribune. The university is also providing full support to the ongoing investigation by the Valparaiso Police Department.
