R.I.P

Tragic tale of young love

Ang Mo Kio Murder — Victim had filed police report earlier
Channel NewsAsia - Thursday, July 10SINGAPORE: Two months before she was murdered, Ms Jeevitha Panittan had lodged a police report that she was the victim of a sexual assault, which also left her face badly bruised.

The alleged attacker, her friends told Today, is now the suspect arrested in connection with the 18—year—old’s murder.

They also claimed that Ms Jeevitha was abused verbally “many times” by her boyfriend, Mr Pathib Selvam. Friends who knew the couple had described Mr Pathib as “aggressive” and a “possessive” boyfriend, who often got jealous of Ms Jeevitha talking to other males.

Ms Jeevitha’s god—brother, Mr Karthigesan Yanamani, alleged that on at least five occasions, Mr Pathib had threatened her when she tried to end the relationship. “We thought these were only verbal threats,” Mr Karthigesan said.

Ms Jeevitha’s body was found outside a substation at Block 154, Ang Mo Kio Ave 5 on Tuesday at about 7.10am. Mr Pathib, 22, had fled the country before the discovery, but was arrested upon his return at the Woodlands Checkpoint that evening.

He will be charged in court today for murder. If convicted, he faces the death penalty.

Mr Bala Subramanaiam, a friend ofMr Pathib, told Today he had seen the latter in Ang Mo Kio on Monday evening.

According to Mr Bala, 20, Mr Pathib said he was going to meet Ms Jeevitha at around 8pm, and would call him about meeting up later that evening.

When Mr Bala called up at 9.45pm, Mr Pathib told him: “Don’t disturb me. I’m with my girl romancing.” Mr Bala tried to call again several times at around 11pm, but Mr Pathib’s phone was turned off.

Said Mr Bala, a full—time National Serviceman who has known Mr Pathib for five years: “He’s quite okay to other people but he’s not good to girls.”

While some media reports saidMr Pathib had asked to marry Ms Jeevitha when they met on Monday, friends Today spoke to said the couple had an on—off relationship.

The relationship had seemed rosy at first, but cracks appeared as Mr Pathib started to get possessive — demanding to be told of her every move and objecting to her talking to any men.

Ms Jeevitha often broke down emotionally and tried a few times to break off with Mr Pathib. She eventually did not, after Mr Pathib threatened her, said childhood friend and neighbour Suresh Raj.

Two months ago, Ms Jeevitha returned home with bruises on her face after meeting Mr Pathib near Admiralty MRT station. A police report was lodged but Mr Karthigesan and Mr Suresh said they did not know if any action was taken against him.

Ms Jeevitha, who worked part—time as a nursery teacher while studying as a private student for her O levels, was described as quiet and independent. “She was always helpful to even strangers,” said Mr Suresh. — TODAY/sh

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TSK TSK tsk... how sad..