A police constable lost his right eye after being struck by the ball hit for a six by Kings XI Punjab batsman David Miller during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens. Miller said he was in a state of shock after coming to know of the incident.
Aloke Aich, who was watching the match from the gallery at Block G last Sunday, is now being treated at the Calcutta Medical Research Institute Hospital in south Kolkata.
"The doctor has informed that he (Aich) won't get the vision back in his right eye. He is our sole breadwinner," said the victim's son Rana Aich.
"I hope the police authorities let him keep his job," said a tense Rana, an unemployed graduate.
Police on their part, however, have assured they would stand by their colleague.
"Obviously we will be by the side of Aich, who has unfortunately lost an eye. We are with them at their moment of need," said Special Additional Joint Commissioner of Police Rajeev Mishra.
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The 53-year-old Aich was injured in the final over of the match and had to be hospitalised after initial treatment by the medical unit at the Eden Gardens.
Miller said he was in a state of shock.
"I am still in a state of shock and deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Mr. Aich's eye. A freak accident! My prayers are with u," he tweeted.
In a statement, Miller said: "I wish this was not true! The incident and its ramifications have been terrible. I am sorry for mr Aich's irreversible loss and wish him the best recovery possible.My thoughts and prayers will be with Mr. Aich constantly".