Indian-Origin Teen Bullied to Death in Malaysia

An Indian-origin teenager in Malaysia, who aspired to be like composer AR Rahman, has died after he was brutally assaulted allegedly by five youths for being effeminate, sparking outrage about increasing incidents of bullying in the country.

The 18-year-old student, T Nhaveen, who was allegedly beaten with helmets, burned on his back and sodomised by five youths following a spat, died of his injuries in a hospital in Penang's George Town on Thursday.

The five suspects, believed to be Nhaveen's former schoolmates, had been arrested after Nhaveen and his friend were attacked last Saturday.

He was buying burgers with his friend T Previin when two youths known to them started teasing the duo. Previin apparently tried to stand up for his friend but the duo were instead set upon by five youths, the Strait Times reported. The reports alleged they both were bashed



with motorcycle helmets.

Previin managed to escape with eye injuries but Nhaveen was beaten brutally and he suffered internal bleeding in his head and abdomen. He was also sodomised and burnt on his back, the daily said.

He died in the hospital on Thursday after he was pronounced brain dead. Nhaveen's death has been re-classified as murder.

Nhaveen's mother D Shanti was quoted by The Star newspaper as saying that her son had been bullied by one of the suspects three years ago in school, for being soft, but he kept quiet to avoid more assault.

Nhaveen's case drew outrage on social media and also the attention of AR Rahman.

Nhaveen was due to start a music course and aspired to be like Rahman, his family said. Rahman earlier twitted for Nhaveen's recovery and called for "all acts of savagery end and people come to senses."