A 23-year-old Dalit software engineer from Chennai, Kavin Selvaganesh, was allegedly murdered in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district by his girlfriend’s brother. The attack is suspected to be a result of caste-based hate, as Kavin was in a relationship with a woman from a different caste.
The accused, Surjith Saravanan, is the son of two police officers. Police say Surjith was against his sister’s relationship with Kavin and tricked him by pretending he wanted to talk. Kavin had gone to Tirunelveli to visit his sick grandfather, who was receiving treatment at a Siddha centre. His girlfriend worked there as a doctor. CCTV footage reportedly shows Surjith taking Kavin on a motorcycle from outside the centre shortly before the murder.
Surjith later surrendered to the police. He has been arrested, and a case of murder has been filed. The police have also added sections under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act because of the caste angle. Surjith’s parents, both police officers, have also been booked after allegations that they may have tried to protect their son.
A police officer told media, “Surjith says he didn’t approve of the relationship and, despite his warning, Kavin continued to speak with her. Further investigation is underway.”
After news of the murder spread, anger broke out in the area. Locals and Kavin’s family blocked a main road, demanding the arrest of Surjith and his parents. They accused the police of being slow to act because the accused comes from an influential family.
Police have promised that the parents will be arrested within 24 hours. Meanwhile, Kavin’s grieving family is still waiting for his body, adding to their pain and public outrage.
