“WHY? Why? Why? Why must this happen to my son? What did he do to deserve this? Who am I going to scold? Who am I going to talk to? With whom am I going to share my sadness and happiness?”
An inconsolable D. Shanti, mother of T. Nhaveen, 18, was heard wailing outside the intensive care unit of Penang Hospital after doctors pronounced her son dead following a vicious assault at the hands of a group of youth on Saturday.
Many who rushed to the hospital after receiving the devastating news could not hold back their tears either.
Family and friends hugged each other to offer comfort and solace.
Nhaveen succumbed to his injuries at 5.31pm yesterday, five days after the incident, without regaining consciousness.
His death was confirmed by northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuar Omar.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the case would be classified as murder.
A post-mortem was conducted by forensic pathologist Datuk Dr Bhupinder Singh to determine the cause of death.
Nhaveen’s uncle, R. Thiayagarajan, addressed the crowd briefly, asking that the family be given privacy to mourn their loss and make arrangements.
Family friend and lawyer Datuk Baljit Singh, who spoke on behalf of the family, expressed hope for justice to prevail.
“Nhaveen has an elderly grandmother who is very upset. We have to be sensitive to the family’s situation,” said Baljit.
He thanked those present and hoped they keep Nhaveen in their prayers.
Nhaveen had been declared brain dead after he was subjected to physical and sexual assault.
T. Previin, who was assaulted along with Nhaveen, underwent surgery yesterday for his injuries.
He is in stable condition.