Heartbreaking: Indian student stabbed in US gym dies weeks after struggling for survival; family devastated

Varun Raj Pucha dies: A 24-year-old Indian student, Varun Raj Pucha who was fighting for his life for weeks in the wake of a horrific attack that occurred in Valparaiso, Indiana succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. 

Varun, student of computer science at Valparaiso University was brutally stabbed in the temple with a knife by his assailant, 24-year-old Jordan Andrade, inside a public gym on October 29 morning. The motives behind this shocking incident are still under investigation. 

After the attack, the authorities promptly apprehended the assailant, who is now facing charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and attempted murder.

Expressing grief over demise of Varun Raj Pucha, Valparaiso University issued a statement and wrote, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Varun Raj Pucha. Our campus community has lost one of its own, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Varun's family and friends as we mourn this devastating loss.” 

In the statement, the university further added that, “The university continues to be in contact with Varun's family, and we will continue to offer assistance and support wherever possible as they navigate this extremely difficult time. We ask that you join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers.”

Meanwhile, Valparaiso University has also planned a service of remembrance and memorial for Varun on campus on November 16.

Varun’s demise left his family heartbroken and devastated, moreover his family also faces a harrowing journey fraught with uncertainty and hefty medical bills.

In the recent times, dreams of Indian youth pursuing education in foreign shores is turning into nightmares, with many grappling with mental health issues, robbery and murder cases and Indians are tragically losing their lives shortly after arriving abroad. 

Several cases of deaths of Indian youths abroad have created a state of panic back home in India. Now parents are either not willing to send their children abroad or whose wards are already settled there are in a state of anxiety and panic.