T. Nhaveen, the boy who was in a coma after a vicious attack last Friday in Penang, has died. He was 18.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed that the case has been reclassified as murder following the death of the teenager.

“We will reclassify the case as murder,” he told reporters at a buka buasa event at Masjid Bukit Aman today.

Prime Minister Najib Razak has promised Nhaveen’s family justice.

“Saddened to receive news of the passing of T. Nhaveen. Condolences to the family. Justice & stern action will be taken against his assailants,” Najib said on Twitter.

Nhaveen was beaten unconscious by boys believed to be his former schoolmates and their friends in Island Glades. 

He had been in a coma since the attack in a case that has received much attention nationwide. 

On Monday, family members told the media that the boy was brain-dead but they held hope that he would recover. 

They also told the press that doctors had found burn marks and injuries in his anus and genitals. 

Nhaveen was described by family members as a gentle boy who wanted to be a music composer. He was going to sign up for a music course in Kuala Lumpur. 

After news broke of his death, almost a hundred people made up of relatives, friends and well-wishers gathered at the hospital to offer support to the grieving family. 

Nhaveen’s uncle R. Thiyagarajan thanked the crowd for showing such support and concern. 

“We need some privacy now. If you want, please come tomorrow for the funeral. 

“We are talking to the hospital for the release of his body as soon as possible,” he said. 

Many, namely the boy’s aunts and other relatives, were in tears. His mother D. Shanti, who was seen briefly among the crowd, was inconsolable. 

Family friend and lawyer Baljit Singh, who said he was holding a watching brief for the family, said they were told Nhaveen died at 5.31pm. 

“The forensic department is now performing an autopsy. Forensic pathologist Dr Bhupinder Singh will conduct it. 

“We know he is very professional in his job. He will surely do a thorough examination,” he said. 

“I hope the deputy public prosecutor and Attorney-General’s Chambers will look into this case seriously. 

“We are not making accusations. But justice must prevail,” he said. 

Baljit said the five suspects in the case would be brought to court tomorrow when their remand order expired. 

“I will be there myself too,” the lawyer said. 

The five boys aged between 18 and 16 were previously probed under Section 148 for rioting with weapons. 

Meanwhile, Baljit urged the media to respect the family’s request for privacy as they dealt with their grief and made funeral arrangements. 

“They need space and there is an elderly grandmother involved. She is emotionally traumatised,” he said. 

The body will be cremated at Batu Gantung tomorrow. The funeral is at 2pm at the Batu Gantung funeral parlour (Hall D).

Late last Friday, Nhaveen and his friend T. Previin, 19, ran into two boys with whom Nhaveen used to go to school at a burger stall. 

The two former schoolmates started teasing Nhaveen, calling him names. Previin stood up for his friend. 

The two bullies then called up some friends and the group, wielding helmets, attacked Nhaveen and Previin. 

Nhaveen could not fight back but Previin managed to escape to find help. While he was away, the group of boys took Nhaveen to a nearby field and continued to attack him. 

By the time Nhaveen was sent to the hospital, he was already unconscious. 

Previin, who helped police identify the suspects, underwent surgery earlier today to correct a broken bone under his eye. – June 15, 2017.