Is This Another Case of Honour Killing? Dalit IT Professional Hacked to Death in Tamil Nadu

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Kavin Kumar was murdered in a suspected honour killing.
- The incident occurred in broad daylight in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.
- Surjith, the woman's brother, is the main suspect.
- The victim's family has accused the girl's parents of complicity.
- This case has reignited discussions on caste-based violence.
Chennai, July 28 (NationPress) In a shocking incident of honour killing, a 26-year-old Dalit IT professional was viciously murdered in broad daylight in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. The victim, Kavin Kumar, was reportedly killed by the younger brother of the woman he loved.
This heinous act has ignited widespread outrage, with Kavin Kumar's family accusing the woman's parents, both police officers, of being involved in this brutal crime.
Kavin Kumar hailed from Arumugamangalam near Ayiralan in Thoothukudi district and had been employed at a private IT company in Chennai. He had recently returned to his hometown.
Years ago, while attending school near his village, he developed feelings for a classmate, the daughter of Saravanan and Krishnakumari, both serving as sub-inspectors in the local police. The family resides in KTC Nagar, Palayamkottai.
Despite their efforts to maintain contact during college, the couple faced significant opposition due to caste differences, as the woman’s family belongs to an intermediate caste.
Regardless, Kavin Kumar frequently rode his motorcycle from Ayiralan to Palayamkottai, hoping to connect with her.
On the day of the incident, he accompanied his family to a private hospital in Palayamkottai, where his grandfather was receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, Surjith, the woman’s 24-year-old brother, learned of Kavin Kumar's presence at the hospital. After Kavin emerged from the hospital post-treatment, Surjith, armed with a concealed sickle, lured him aside. An altercation broke out, and Surjith allegedly attacked Kavin with the weapon before fleeing.
Kavin Kumar tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Authorities quickly arrived, recovered his body, and initiated a post-mortem.
Thanks to CCTV evidence and initial investigations, Surjith was apprehended shortly thereafter.
The murder has sent ripples of shock throughout the community. Kavin Kumar’s family has accused the girl's parents of complicity, leading to a case being registered against the officers, who are now on administrative leave pending further investigation.
This brutal act has reignited discussions surrounding caste-based honour killings in Tamil Nadu, even among families associated with law enforcement.