Funds pour in to foot medical expenses of Indian assaulted in US

The goal to raise $100,000 for Sureshbhai Patel’s medical treatment was surpassed in two days. George Joseph reports for Rediff.com from New York  

An online fundraising campaign to meet the medical expenses of Sureshbhai Patel, who was brutally attacked by a police officer in Madison, Alabama, has collected $174,619 (Rs 1,08,70,024) in 5 days. More than 4,000 people contributed to the fund through http://www.gofundme.com/m757pw

Patel, who arrived early this month, has no medical insurance. The goal was $100,000 but it surpassed it in two days.

Hank Sherrod, the family lawyer, said that Patel is improving faster than expected.

“His grip strength is improving, though he can’t yet handle small objects (like a spoon). His legs are improving, too, particularly his right leg. The doctors attribute the improvement to Patel’s hard work and motivation,” Sherrod said.

Sureshbhai is in the process of being transferred to a rehabilitation centre.

The funds raised through ‘Go Fund Me’ will be solely used for Patel’s care and not for any legal fees or expenses.

Patel has undergone spinal surgery and remains partially paralysed in Huntsville Hospital.

Meanwhile, another crowdfunding page has been created on IndieGoGo.com for Eric Parker, the Madison police officer who has been fired from his job and arrested for third-degree assault on Sureshbhai Patel.

The fundraiser that started on February 13 with a goal of $10,000 in a month has raised $3,243. The description says, ‘To help with Parker's bills, etc. Any donation is greatly appreciated.’

Kris Wente, who paid only one dollar posted a note too, ‘Eric Parker violently reacted beyond the bounds of the law. He should be prosecuted for his crime. It is that simple.’

Another person wrote, ‘I want Mr Parker to know that my husband and I support him 100 per cent. I am so sorry that in a split second his life has become so difficult and hard. Unfortunately the media always tells the worst even though they don't know all the facts. My heart hurts for you. I know Mr Parker will evolve stronger and I hope he is able to get his life back on track as soon as possible. God Bless you!’

Local media said Parker has received messages of support from friends online, who have said, ‘I've never seen him treat anyone with any disrespect. He may have made a mistake here, but we all do from time to time,’ and described him as ‘one of the good guys.’

Parker's charge is a Class A misdemeanour, which rates up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000. Parker, 26, turned himself into the Limestone County Jail and was released on a $1,000 bond. He has a court appearance on March 12.

Alabama law says a person commits third-degree assault if he or she ‘recklessly causes physical injury to another person.’

Patel was roughed up on February 6 morning, as he was walking near his son Chirag’s home. A neighbour called the police to say that an unknown individual was walking on the street near his home. ‘He was doing it yesterday and today...He's just on foot. He's just kind of walking round close to the garage.’

‘He's a skinny black guy, he's got a toboggan on, he's really skinny. I've lived here four years and I've never seen him before.’

Soon the police arrived but they could not communicate with Patel, who does not know English. Two officers turn Patel around and have his hands behind his back. Parker yanks his arm and slams him into the ground.

The lawsuit filed on behalf of Patel noted that ‘Patel is a small man, weighing between 130 and 140 pounds, probably closer to 130, and is narrow of frame and mild of manner. He appeared to be nothing other than the grandfather from India he was.’

‘The officers nevertheless came up to Patel and, despite the absence of any reason to believe Patel was armed or presented any kind of danger or threat, searched Patel for weapons. After the search, without provocation, grabbed Patel's left arm, twisted it behind his back, and slammed Patel face first into the ground.’

It also pointed out that there was nothing suspicious about Patel's appearance as he was ‘dressed for the walk in plain pants, a button shirt, and a sweater and wore a knit cap on his head. Patel had nothing in his pants except for a green patterned handkerchief that was later used by officers to wipe blood from Patel's face.’

 ‘Patel's face was bloodied, but, much worse, there was significant trauma to Patel's cervical spine, and he immediately became paralysed in his arms and legs.’