The Punjab government has reiterated its commitment to extending all possible legal and financial aid to Burundi national Yannick Nihangaza, saying it will soon arrange for an air ambulance to shift him to Delhi.
Besides paying for the Business Class airfare for his journey to the nearest hospital in Rwanda, it would also bear the expenses of his father Nestor Ntibateganya, who has been looking after him since April last week.
The government had previously announced assistance worth Rs. 5 lakh. However, no dates have been announced for the proposed airlift.
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Nihangaza, a student of a private college run Lovely Professional University, sustained grievous injuries, including cerebral damage, after a group of youths attacked him near a liquor vendor in Jalandhar on April 21. He was moved to a private hospital in Patiala, where he continues to be in coma.
The matter came under media spotlight, when his father, Mr. Ntibateganya made repeated appeals to the Chief Minister, seeking justice as well as financial assistance. After media highlighted the case, the police arrested five persons for their suspected involvement in the assault, including a senior police officer’s son. As one of the accused is said to be absconding, extradition formalities are expected be initiated with Australia.