convict offers his liver to Mahajan

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Apr 26 (UNI) Shivaji Salunke, a prisoner serving his life imprisionment at the Open Jail of Paithan in this district, has offered to donate his liver to the BJP general general secretary Pramod Mahajan, who is battling for his life at Mumbai's Hinduja hospital with three bullets still embedded inside after being shot at by his youngest brother Pravin on April 22 morning.

One of the three bullets pumped in by Pravin from point blank range has severely damaged Mr Mahajan's liver and there have been reports that the BJP leader could undergo liver transplant. World's leading liver transplant specialist Mohd Rela from London has been in Mumbai.

In an application to the Jail authorites on April 24, Salunke has expressed his desire to donate his liver.

According to the convict, who has been received the Maharashtra government's award for best literature for his poetry collelction 'Atmazad'', the life of a politician like Pramod Mahajan is more important for the society as well as the nation and, therefore, he felt it was appropriate for him to donate donate his liver to the BJP leader.

The priosner made up his mind for donating his liver when a Dr Rela had assessed Mr Mahajan's condition.

Mr Mahajan's condition continues to be critical on the fifth day with a team of doctors monitoring his health round-the-clock.

The jail authorities have confirmed the receipt of such an application from Salunkhe.

UNI MPJ KD RP VC1928