Family of Narela shootout victim donates his eyes

New Delhi: "We are donating the eyes of our father. At least someone could see the world with his eyes," wiping her tears, Preeti, the 19-year-old daughter of Rajnikant, the custodian who was shot dead by armed assailants during a cash van robbery in Narela area of Rohini, told Millennium Post on Friday.

In addition to Rajnikant, the security guard of the cash van Prem Kumar was also shot dead, after three unidentified men opened indiscriminate fire on them during an armed robbery at Narela on Thursday afternoon.

"I know nothing can bring my father back. But with this gesture, we might also inspire others to do the same," said 22-year-old Kumar Prashant, Rajnikant's elder son. The young man is currently pursuing a course in social work.

The family members, who were in all tears, said that they decided to donate his eyes almost instantly.

52-year-old Rajnikant had been employed with cash replenishment agency SIS for some years.

He had recently been awarded the best custodian award from the company.

Rajnikant's younger brother Suryakant says that he was very fond of his children.

"My brother wanted them to make a mark in their (his family's) lives. His little income never came in between imparting good education to his children. Now that he is gone, the family has lost its sole breadwinner," said Suryakant, fighting back his tears.

Originally from Muzaffarpur in Bihar, Rajnikant stayed in a joint family in Chirag Delhi. His brother is also employed with SIS.

"It was very shocking for us when my brother's office team visited us and broke the news. We ran towards the hospital only to find that he had succumbed to his injuries," said Suryakant.

In the sensational broad daylight robbery, three bike-borne gunmen had shot dead Rajnikant and Prem Kumar.

The gunmen fired around 20 rounds killing both the men on the spot. They managed to flee with the cash box which had close to Rs 12 lakh.

Considering the gravity of crime Delhi Police Crime Branch and Special Cell have also been associated with the case.

Police is now scanning the CCTV of the area to get some clue of the bikers.

Cops suspect that the same group of criminals might be behind the attack which led a futile attempt to rob a cash van in Shahbad Dairy on Tuesday.v