GEORGE TOWN: More than 200 people from all walks of life joined a candlelight vigil at the compound of the Penang Hospital tonight to pray for T. Nhaveen’s speedy recovery.
They prayed for a miracle as well as to “send positive energy” that the brutally assaulted teen would recover from his injuries soon.
They also pray for T. Previin, 19, who was also injured in the attack.
Also joining in the 30-minute vigil, conducted directly below Nhaveen’s ward, were his family members.
Also present were Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh Deo and Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer.
The vigil was organised by a non-governmental organisation, Tamilar Kural Penang, and similar prayers will be held in the Tamilar Kural chapters in other states.
Nhaveen’s uncle, K. Thiagayarajan, also briefed the crowd on his nephew’s condition.
“The doctors say that he is in a critical condition and we can only hope for the very best for him now,” he said.
Ramkarpal said he had written to the Penang Hospital director to request for Nhaveen’s medical report, on behalf of the family, so as to enable them to get a second opinion.
It was reported that Nhaveen has been in a coma after being brutally attacked and raped with a foreign object on Saturday by five youths.
His family is however praying for a miracle.
The attack took place in Jalan Kaki Bukit here at 2.20am when the sales promoter and his friend, Previin, met two of the suspects, who were Nhaveen’s former classmates, while buying burgers.
The two taunted Nhaveen and called his names, including ‘pondan’ (sissy).
Nhaveen allegedly pleaded with the two to stop taunting him, warning them to back off. However, the two then called their friends to the scene and started beating Nhaveen and Previin.
Previin escaped but Nhaveen was dragged to a field and was further assaulted. The group, aged 16 to 20, allegedly inserted a blunt object in Nhaveen's anus.
The five suspects are currently investigated for rioting under Section 148 of the Penal Code.
Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuar Omar however said police would recommend that the case be investigated under Section 377CA of the Penal Code since there is evidence of forced insertion of an object in the victim’s anus.
Section 377CA refers to sexual connection by object and carries a minimum five-year and maximum 30-year jail term and whipping.