Former cricketer Maninder hospitalised after alleged suicide bid

New Delhi, June 9 (UNI) Former test cricketer Maninder Singh, recently arrested in a narcotics case, was admitted to a private hospital early today after he slashed his wrists in an alleged suicide attempt.

The former left arm spinner underwent surgery immediately after being admitted in the hospital and his condition is out of danger now, doctors said.

However, his wife, Milly Singh, denied the allegations and said it was an accident.

''We were sleeping when he was knocking at the door last night.

We didn't hear it, so he came to the balcony which has glass, bay windows. And without realising in trying to wake us up, he banged hard at the widows, losing his footing and falling down. That's how he cut both his hands,'' she told reporters.

Maninder has so far not given his statement to police because of his condition.

Doctor G S Mathur told reporters that the former cricketer was brought to the hospital with deep wounds on both his wrists which were bleeding profusely.

''We immediately admitted him to ICU. His BP was almost untraceable. On examinations we found that his wounds were very deep. Particularly on his right wrist...all his veins and earteries were damaged,'' he added.

Singh has regained consciousness and will be kept under observation for the next 48 hours.

Police, however, is yet to talk to him.

DCP (East) Ajay Chaudhary said as Maninder was unconscious his statement could not be obtained.

''We have not spoken to the doctor yet but we'll be able to reach a conclusion only after knowing the nature of the injury,'' the DCP added.

Police received a call at about 0100 hrs after the former test spinner was brought to the hospital in a critical condition.

Maninder, who is presently out on bail, was arrested on May 22 for allegedly possessing 1.5 gms of cocaine along with associate and friend Siam Siddique by the Narcotics Branch of Delhi police.

He was granted bail the next day The former cricketer is said to be in a depression after his arrest.

UNI