Previin 'inconsolable' after learning of Nhaveen's death

GEORGE TOWN: T. Previin, who was assaulted by a group of teenagers alongside T. Nhaveen, was not informed of his friend's death and was inconsolable when he was finally told about it one day later.

His mother, K. Kalyani, 59, said that the family was initially not ready to reveal that Nhaveen was dead as Previin was still recovering from surgery.

Previin, 19, underwent surgery for a fractured bone under his right eye on Thursday and was still unconscious when Nhaveen passed away on the same day.

"However, Previin was adamant and wanted to see Nhaveen and kept asking me to take him.

"I had no choice but to break the news about Nhaveen's death on Friday night," she told the reporters when met at the Penang Hospital.

"He was devastated and could not be consoled," she said while fighting back her tears.

Previin and Nhaveen, 18, were beaten up by a group of teenagers last Saturday.

Previin managed to escape, but Nhaveen was later found unconscious in a field in Jalan Kaki Bukit, Bukit Gelugor here after the assault.

Nhaveen, who had injuries to his anus and burn marks on his back, also had internal bleeding in his head and abdomen.

Five suspects, aged between 16 and 18, have been arrested over the attack.