Lifer steps out of jail to save mother's life

Murder case convict Aakash Belkhade granted parole to donate kidney to ailing mother

Aakash Belkhade (23) is a lifer out on parole from the Yerawada Central Jail to donate one of his kidneys to his mother, for whom it is a matter of life and death now.

Belkhade was given life in prison after he was found guilty of helping his friend kill a person they believed was dating the latter's sister.

Out for 3 months
Having got three months' temporary bail after he filed an application in the Bombay High Court, Belkhade was allowed out on Sunday.

Belkhade decided to donate his kidney when his sister Rina told him about their 50-year-old mother Lata's condition during a jail visit.

"Rina was willing to donate her kidney, but was advised against it as she was pregnant. My wife was also ready, but doctors asked my mother to look for blood relations," said Belkhade. "After this, I immediately said I was ready."

Belkhade's mother was choked with emotion as she spoke of her son's resolve.

"I am proud of my son; he is ready to make such a great sacrifice, endangering his own life," said Lata. "It is difficult for any mother to ask her children to make such a sacrifice."

Medical tests
Belkhade, who has to undergo several medical tests before he can donate a kidney, said now he was waiting with bated breath for what the doctors will have to say on the possibility of donation.

"The tests will decide my joy or sorrow, as I will know whether I will can donate my kidney to my mother. I hope the results are positive," said Belkhade. "My life is not more valuable to me than my mother ufffd nothing is more important to me her. This is a small donation to save her."

Helpful officials
Belkhade said he got full cooperation from the jail authorities.

"Authorities at the prison helped me complete the procedure for the writ petition, and the submission was faster as they all stood by me considering the condition of my mother," said Belkhade.

Now everything depends on the outcome of the tests on Belkhade.

"We will approach railway hospital for further tests as my husband is a Railways employee," said Lata.