A promising Indian student living in Plaistow, who almost died after a stabbing, will be forced to abandon his studies in the UK and fly back home as soon as he recovers.

Praveen Reddy, 26, remains in a critical but stable condition after he was seriously injured in an incident at a house in Kent Street on February 10.

But he is now recovering after undergoing surgery at The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, and has been able to communicate with his distraught family.

Praveen’s father, Sudhakar Reddy-Jangam, who flew to this country in shock the day after the incident, feared his son - one of three - had died. The family only found out after reading media reports in India and the US, where his eldest brother currently lives.

Speaking to the Recorder through an interpreter, he said: “I was extremely shocked. The family was totally shocked, we were all scared for him.

“We want to take him home with us, but the doctors say it could be some time. I am very happy that he is recovering.

“We have always been a close family and we have been supporting each other through this.”

Praveen had been planning to take a break from studying for his MBA to fly back home for his brother’s wedding in Hydrabad, India, last Friday.

After he was told about the incident, Mr Reddy-Jangam obtained a 180-day visa with the help of the Indian High Commission, and the family is currently staying in Upney, with the help of the United Kingdom Telugu Association.

He runs a construction business in Hydrabad, crushing stones for use in roadworks.

He said: “Praveen always to wanted to be a businessman.

“He is a nice guy, very mature. He came over to the UK to study, and to get qualifications to help me in the family business.

“He was the type of man who wanted to support his father. It was always his intention to help me

“His health and his recovery is the most important thing now.”

Mr Reddy-Jangam said the incident had not soured his view of the UK, adding he was pleased by the way they were treated by the authorities.

He added: “I would like to thank the hospital, the police, the Indian High Commission, and the United Kingdom Telugu Association also.

Amareshwar Arava, 25, Sai Kishore Balguri, 25, and Nishanth Puttapaka, 23, all of Kent Street, Plaistow, have been charged with attempted murder. They were remanded in custody to re-appear at Inner London Crown Court on March 2.

Anybody from the Telugu community in need of assistance should visit www.uktas.org.uk