Indian man attacked in US: Fast improving Sureshbhai can speak now, says Attorney

Washington, February 15: The health condition of a 57-year-old Indian man, who was wrongfully assaulted in the US state of Alabama by two police officers that left him partially paralysed, showed improvement, his attorney has said.

Attorney Henry F Sherrod said yesterday that Sureshbhai Patel could speak but it is a long way to go for his full recovery. "Due to his hard work and motivation, Mr Patel is improving faster than expected though he has a long way to go," his attorney Henry F Sherrod yesterday told PTI.

"His grip strength and right leg are improving. The left leg is improving but more slowly. He can speak, eat, etc. Only arms and legs affected," said Sherrod, who has sued the City of Madison and two police officials on the charges of brutal assault for no fault of his.

Sureshbhai Patel, 57, who is currently undergoing treatment in a Huntsville hospital in Alabama, was forcibly slammed on a walkway in a neighborhood of Madison City on the morning of February 6, without any provocation just because he did not know English and was unable to answer to their queries about his identity and address.

Indian Americans have expressed its anger and shock over the incident. Till yesterday evening the community had raised nearly USD 150,000 for the medical treatment of Patel, who does not have a health insurance.

Patel, who had come to the US recently to help his son and daughter-in-law with their new baby, does not have a health insurance. His medical bill is alone expected to be more than USD 250,000.

The Madison City Police has apologized to Patel for excessive use of force and has suspended one police officer Eric Parker. He was arrested this week, but has been released on bail.

Meanwhile, friends of Parker have launched a fund raising campaign for his expensive legal battle. Till yesterday evening, they had raised more than USD 2,850 as against a target of USD 10,000.

PTI