College senior suffers 'life altering injuries' in horrific frat house incident just weeks before graduation

Daily Mail​

05-05-2025

A student at UC Berkeley in California has been paralyzed from the waist down after falling from an outdoor staircase at the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity house.
Just three weeks shy of graduating with a degree in Data Science, 21-year-old Bandna Bhatti had been welcoming prospective students to campus last month on 'Cal Day' when UC Berkeley throws open its doors for public tours.
Shortly after 1pm on Saturday April 19 during the festivities, Phi Kappa Tau was hosting a party at its house on Piedmont Avenue in Berkeley.
It was there Bhatti fell at least 12 feet from an external metal stairway, hitting her head and landing in a narrow alleyway beside the fraternity house.
Bhatti injuries were catastrophic: a spinal fracture, a torn dura with leaking spinal fluid, a scapular fracture, and a brain hematoma.
She also suffered broken bones and was later diagnosed to have been paralyzed below the waist.
Despite the severity of her condition, Bhatti lay undiscovered for up to 15 minutes before being found and taken inside the fraternity house.
But instead of calling for emergency assistance, her family says fraternity members told her friends to leave.
Her companions then took her to her nearby apartment seemingly unaware that she had suffered grave internal injuries.
It wasn't until almost seven hours later that 911 was finally called.
'She cannot walk. She cannot move her body,' her mother, Sukh Bhatti, told KTVU at Highland Hospital in Oakland, where Bandna remains in hospital.
'She's paralyzed, asking me questions - 'Can I graduate? Can I go to my graduation?''
Bhatti's mother has not left her bedside since the accident.
'It's just, I want my baby back. She's so happy and so lovely - strong lady.'
Bandna's family released a public statement on a GoFundMe page that has been set up.
'Our beloved sister, Bandna, only 21 years old, was just three weeks away from graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in Data Science - a milestone she had worked so hard for - when our world was turned upside down. She is now paralyzed from the waist down.
Despite the trauma, Bandna's loved ones are holding onto hope
'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,' they added.
As of Sunday night the fundraising campaign raised more than $97,000 to support her long road to recovery, including the costs of adaptive equipment and home modifications.
Matt Arnold, CEO of Phi Kappa Tau's national organization issued 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.
'Our thoughts are with the individual and their loved ones during this challenging time. The health, safety, and well-being of all individuals in our community remain our highest priorities. We are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are fully cooperating with university officials and local authorities.'
UC Berkeley also acknowledged the seriousness of the incident.
'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.'
Berkeley Police have also launched an investigation into the timeline of events - particularly the decision not to call for the emergency services immediately.
Authorities have not publicly stated whether any charges are being considered or if the university will impose disciplinary action.
There have been similar incidents in recent years including fraternity-related deaths and injuries at universities across the country which have fueled debate about the accountability of Greek organizations and the response protocols at campus events.
Bhatti's fall echoes those tragedies, but what sets this case apart is not just the horrific injury itself but the inaction that followed.
Despite the trauma, Bandna's loved ones are holding onto hope.
'She will walk. I will make sure she walks. I'll do whatever it takes,' her mother vowed.
Her sisters and close friends are rallying as well. Several ran a half-marathon on Sunday to raise additional funds for her recovery.
The event has turned into a tribute of sorts, a public show of love and belief in her strength.
A family spokesperson described Bandna as 'a brilliant, compassionate, and resilient young woman who has worked tirelessly toward her dreams.'