He may never walk again

GDN-By ANIQA HAIDER: RELATIVES of an Indian man brutally assaulted in the street two weeks ago today fear he might not walk again.

Shanil Kumar Onthem Parambil Pokkan has undergone three operations and is still unconscious at the BDF Hospital.

His relative Sasi Kulichiri said Mr Pokkan's condition was now stable, but added he was still on a ventilator.

"He is still unconscious, but in a stable condition now," Mr Kulichiri told the GDN yesterday.

"He underwent three operations, one for his left leg last Friday and two last week, one for a fractured elbow and the other for his arms.

"His condition is not so good and he is unconscious.

"He is on a ventilator, but not in a critical condition. We are praying for his good health."

Mr Pokkan was admitted to the BDF Hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after being found unconscious on an East Riffa street on April 11.

The incident took place at around 9.30pm when the 34-year-old went out to buy eggs.

Mr Kulichiri said doctors were still unsure if he would be able to walk again due to a broken backbone suffered in the attack.

"We are still unsure if he will be able to walk again or not, following his backbone injuries," he added.

"Doctors said they couldn't confirm until he completely recovers from his other injuries.

"He will definitely need a support for his back, but I can't say anything else until the doctors confirm."

Meanwhile, a Pakistani construction worker whose tongue was cut off during a savage attack outside a mosque in Manama is also said to be in a stable condition.

Irfan Ahmed Bakhsh Muhammad was with four other men when they were allegedly ambushed by an anti-government mob as they left Shaikh Ali mosque, on Al Mehza Road, Manama, on March 13.

The 23-year-old also suffered a fractured skull, as well as serious injuries to his head and abdomen, when they were attacked with swords, knives and iron rods.

However, a friend who has been visiting him every day said he had shown signs of improvement.

"He is in a stable condition now," said the friend.

"He is moving his hands and opened his eyes, although he is unable to talk, but he tries to express himself.

"We are waiting for his recovery soon.

"We are also hoping his sponsor or the government will offer some amount to support his family."

Mr Muhammad was attacked on the same day that protesters assaulted police who tried to move them from the Bahrain Financial Harbour and brought the capital to a standstill.

Violent protesters then went on the rampage, attacking Asians in Manama in a wave of violence lasting several days - claiming the lives of three Bangladeshis and a Pakistani.

Mr Muhammad, from Mandi Bahalwaldin in Gujrat, Punjab, came to Bahrain two years ago to work for Yousif Al Zayani Trading and Contracting Company.

He is the only breadwinner for his mother Arshad Begum and younger brother Ghulam Nabi, 20.