'We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them.'
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina, who pulled out of the IPL citing personal reasons, on Tuesday demanded a thorough probe into the violent attack on his aunt's family in Punjab, in which his uncle and cousin lost their lives.
The 33-year-old returned to the country last week from the UAE, where the league will begin on September 19.
In his first statement since landing in the country, Raina, however, did not say that the attack, allegedly a case of robbery, was the reason why he came back.
"What happened to my family is (sic) Punjab was beyond horrible. My uncle was slaughtered to death, my bua & both my cousins had sever (sic) injuries. Unfortunately my cousin also passed away last night after battling for life for days. My bua (aunt) is still very very critical & is on life support," he said.
Raina's relatives were attacked on the night intervening August 19 and 20 in Thariyal village in Punjab's Pathankot district.
"Till date we don't know what exactly had happened that night & who did this. I request @PunjabPoliceInd to look into this matter. We at least deserve to know who did this heinous act to them. Those criminals should not be spared to commit more crimes. @capt_amarinder @CMOPb," he added, tagging Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh.
Raina's uncle Ashok Kumar, 58, suffered head injuries in the attack and died on the same night. Four other members of the family were also injured in the attack.
Kaushal Kumar, 32, the elder son of Ashok, died on Monday night at a private hospital. Police said Ashok's wife and Raina's aunt Asha Devi is still critical, while his second son, Apin, 28, is out of danger.
"The second son has undergone surgery for an injury to his jaw," Khurana said.
Ashok's mother Satya Devi, 80, has already been discharged from hospital.
Raina retired from international cricket on August 15, alongside former India captain and close friend Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
His departure from the IPL triggered intense speculation on the possible reasons behind it.
CSK owner and former BCCI president Narayanswami Srinivasan, who seemed to be upset with the left-hander after his sudden pull out, later said that the team will stand by the all-rounder.
