A 58-year-old man said to be a relative of cricketer Suresh Raina died while four members of his family sustained injuries, allegedly, in an attack by robbers, police said on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as Ashok Kumar, a government contractor.
Earlier, in the day, the Chennai Super Kings all-rounder had pulled out of the IPL citing "personal reasons", the franchise said. The 33-year-old had retired from international cricket this month.
"Suresh Raina has returned to India for personal reasons and will be unavailable for the remainder of the IPL season. Chennai Super Kings offers complete support to Suresh and his family during this time," CSK tweeted CEO Kasi Viswanathan's statement.
The incident took place at Thariyal village in Punjab's Pathankot district on the night intervening August 19 and 20, police said.
According to them, three to four members of the notorious Kale Kachhewala gang had come with an intention to loot, attacked Ashok Kumar and his family members at their house in Thariyal village near Madhopur of Pathankot.
At the time of the attack, they were sleeping on the terrace of their house.
Ashok Kumar, who had suffered head injuries, died while four others sustained injuries, said police.
Kumar's death was also confirmed by Pathankot Senior Superintendent of Police Gulneet Singh Khurana. As far as Kumar's relation with cricketer Raina, the SSP said he has no confirmation about it. He may be a relative, he said.
According to police, robbers decamped with some cash and gold from the house.
Kumar's 80-year-old mother Satya Devi, his wife Asha Devi, sons Apin and Kuashal suffered injuries, said police.
While Satya Devi has been discharged from hospital, others are still undergoing treatment, said Pathankot Superintendent of Police Prabhjot Singh Virk.
