Bandna Bhatti, 21, suffered severe spinal and brain injuries after falling from a staircase at Phi Kappa Tau house
A tragic incident during Cal Day at the University of California, Berkeley has left a 21-year-old Indian-origin student paralysed from the waist down. Bandna Bhatti, a senior majoring in data science, fell from an outdoor staircase at a fraternity house on April 19. The accident, compounded by a delayed emergency response, has changed her life just weeks before her graduation, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
Bhatti lay injured for hours before receiving medical care — now faces long-term paralysis
The incident occurred at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house during Cal Day, an annual campus event welcoming incoming students. Bhatti fell onto a narrow pathway and hit her head but reportedly received no medical attention for nearly seven hours.
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According to a GoFundMe page set up by her family and local news outlet FOX KTVU, Bhatti remained on the ground for 15 minutes before friends noticed her
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Rather than calling for emergency help, partygoers allegedly encouraged her friends to take her home
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Believing her injuries were minor, her friends complied. It was only later, when her condition worsened, that 911 was contacted
Doctors later confirmed Bhatti had suffered a spinal fracture causing paralysis, a brain haematoma, scapular fracture, and dural tear leading to spinal fluid leakage. She is now hospitalised and faces a long road to recovery, including extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation.
The university and the national Phi Kappa Tau chapter have acknowledged the incident and ongoing investigation
A UC Berkeley spokesperson confirmed the university is aware of the police investigation and is providing support to Bhatti and her family. Phi Kappa Tau’s national organisation issued a statement expressing concern and reaffirming its commitment to student safety.
The case has sparked growing concern over safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and responsibility at campus events, especially those hosted by Greek life organisations. The Bhatti family’s GoFundMe campaign describes the accident as “life-altering,” highlighting the urgent need for accountability and long-term medical support for their daughter.
