.JPG "The four teenagers involved in the death of 18-year-old T. Nhaveen are pictured arriving at the Penang court on June 19, 2017. u00e2u20acu201d Picture by KE Ooi")
GEORGE TOWN, June 19 — Four teenagers were charged today with the murder of 18-year-old T. Nhaveen and with causing hurt to Nhaveen’s friend in a bullying case that shocked the nation.
J. Ragesuthen and S. Gokulan, both 18, and two 17-year-old boys were charged at the magistrate’s court with murdering Nhaveen in front of the Karpal Singh Learning Centre in Jalan Kaki Bukit, Bukit Gelugor here on June 9 some time between 11pm and 12.30am, an offence that carries a mandatory death sentence upon conviction.
The four boys were also charged at a Sessions Court with causing grievous hurt to 19-year-old T. Previin using helmets at the same venue and time, under Section 326 of the Penal Code that carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years, or fine, and whipping liable upon conviction.
The boys were unrepresented and appeared scared, with two of them openly crying when they saw their relatives in court.
The relatives talked to them and tried to reassure them before the court session started.
All four pleaded not guilty after the grievous hurt charge was read out to them in court.
Sessions Court judge Irwan Suainbon did not allow bail and fixed August 21 for mention of the case pending the medical and chemist report.
“You will have to apply to the Legal Aid Council for legal representation,” he told the four accused.
For the murder case, Magistrate Mohamed Amin Shahul Hamid fixed September 28 for mention of the case pending medical reports.
Nhaveen was allegedly beaten up and sodomised with a blunt object, while Previin had managed to escape with injuries.
Nhaveen was declared brain dead by doctors and died on June 15.
