Double blow as assaulted dad dies in his sleep
A DOUBLE blow.
That is how Uditnarain Baijnath’s family feels after his death on Saturday.
Two weeks ago a Durban policeman, Sunil Maharaj, was acquitted of attempted murder charges relating to 73-year-old Baijnath.
Maharaj was instead convicted of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and fined R10 000 or six months in jail.
Earlier this week Baijnath’s son, Sanjay, described the turn of events as a “double blow”.
“The family was dissappointed with the outcome of the case and now my father is dead. This is too much for us to handle.”
Baijnath was walking on a road in Montford, Chatsworth, on April 20, 2011, when he was assaulted by Maharaj.
This resulted in him becoming a paraplegic.
According to witnesses the grandfather was punched about three times by Maharaj because he (Baijnath) was standing on Maharaj’s driveway. Baijnath hit a car, which was parked nearby, and fell unconscious.
His daughter, Shireen Khan, a nurse, described to the court how her able-bodied father had become a paraplegic after the incident and had to wear diapers.
Sanjay said his father died in his sleep on Friday.
“He took a nap and did not wake up. My dad was a healthy person and was robbed of his life. Justice may not have been meted out, but God will ensure the perpetrators receive their punishment.”
He said he was uncertain about the civil claim, expected to be heard in February.
“We will consult with our attorney and decide the way forward. Right now, we are battling to accept my father is gone.”
Baijnath was cremated at the Clare Estate Crematorium on Saturday.