Is Caste Hatred Behind the Murder of Kavin Selvaganesh?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Caste-based violence remains a pressing issue in Tamil Nadu.
- The case has been handed over to the Crime Branch-CID.
- The victim's family demands accountability from the police.
- Public outrage is growing, calling for justice.
- The incident sheds light on systemic issues of caste discrimination.
Chennai, July 30 (NationPress) The horrific murder of a 27-year-old IT professional Kavin Selvaganesh, allegedly motivated by caste animosity, has now been handed over to the Crime Branch-CID (CB-CID) for in-depth investigation, as confirmed by police sources on Wednesday.
Kavin, a member of a Scheduled Caste (SC) community, was brutally slain in Tirunelveli on July 27.
Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s mother, Tamil Selvi, a schoolteacher, the Palayamkottai police initiated a murder case and apprehended S. Surjith (23), who belongs to a Most Backward Classes (MBC) community.
Investigators revealed that Surjith believed Kavin was involved with his sister, a Siddha medical practitioner, leading to his violent act.
Tirunelveli City Commissioner of Police Santosh Hadimani has ordered Surjith’s detention under the Goondas Act, citing his potential threat to public order.
An official statement from the Tirunelveli City Police corroborated the preventive detention.
Currently, Kavin’s family has refused to claim his body from the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital, insisting on the arrest of Surjith’s parents — Sub-Inspectors Saravanan and Krishnakumari — who have also been implicated in the First Information Report (FIR).
Both officers are currently suspended. Discussions between law enforcement and the bereaved family on Tuesday night did not yield a resolution.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Kavin’s body remains unclaimed.
Investigators have commenced questioning Saravanan and Krishnakumari to ascertain whether they had prior knowledge of Surjith’s alleged intentions or were complicit in the crime.
Police sources indicated that Surjith had repeatedly threatened Kavin to terminate his relationship with his sister due to caste differences.
According to the police, Surjith attacked Kavin when he visited the Siddha hospital where his girlfriend worked, bringing his grandfather for treatment on Sunday.
Surjith was arrested that same day, and police plan to take him into custody for further questioning as part of the CB-CID’s investigation.
This murder has ignited outrage, with local activists and political factions demanding justice and stringent measures against the perpetrators.
This incident has once again highlighted the issue of caste-based violence in Tamil Nadu, a state that has witnessed several similar occurrences despite ongoing awareness campaigns and stringent legislation.