GEORGE TOWN, June 15 — The state government has asked hospital authorities and police to provide round-the-clock security for bully torture victims T. Previin and T. Nhaveen following suspicious late night calls received by the family since Tuesday.

Family members lodged a report with the Penang Hospital police beat base at about 5pm yesterday, expressing their concern over calls they described as "distressing”.

"I have written to hospital authorities and police seeking their assistance to provide security for both victims,” Deputy Chief Minister (II) Prof P. Ramasamy told Malay Mail.

The security issue and police report came about after both families received calls from unidentified individuals following the attack on the two friends.

They received five calls between midnight and the early hours, and in all instances, the caller was a man asking about the condition of Nhaveen, 19, who remained comatose after he was beaten and injured in the anus by five individuals last Friday.

"The caller sounded nervous and wanted to inquire more about the case,” Previin’s uncle, M.G.R. Devan, said.

Pressed for the caller’s identity, the line would go dead.

"My nephew and his aunt also received similar suspicious calls, described as distressing,” Devan said.

"The voice sends a chill to us. As a result, the family is asking the hospital to move Previin to another ward for his safety and security.”

Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer, who visited the families, advised them to lodge a police report.

"Following what has transpired, there is justification for the family to feel intimidated. They just want to ensure the safety of the victims,” he said

Earlier, agriculture and agro-based industry, rural development and health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin visited the victims, and said Previin is due to undergo facial reconstruction surgery soon.

Asked about Nhaveen’s condition, Dr Afif said he was being sustained with the aid of a ventilation machine, and is under close supervision in the neurology intensive care unit.

"The hospital has to undergo certain medical protocols in treating Nhaveen, and specialists are doing their utmost best,” he said.

Previin, who suffered injuries to his eye socket and face, was with Nhaveen when the incident happened.

At the height of the assault he fled from the attackers and rushed to Taman Tun Sardon where he sought help from Nhaveen’s uncle.

Nhaveen’s mother, D. Shanti, a single parent, remains grief-stricken, and relatives are concerned over her health as she has refrained from eating.

"I appeal to the public to allow some privacy for the family. We should all pray for his Nhaveen to recover and I hope a miracle can happen,” Shanti’s cousin, G. Prema, said.

* Editor's note: The print version of this story had an error which has since been corrected here.