NewKerala.com

Key Points

A Dalit techie in Tamil Nadu was brutally murdered in a suspected honour killing. His father alleges a police inspector aided the crime by threatening Kavin and tipping off the accused. The family refuses to accept the body until all involved are arrested. The case has now been transferred to the CB-CID amid public outrage.

Key Points: Dalit Techie Kavin Murdered in TN Honour Killing as Father Alleges Police Role

  • Kavin’s father alleges Inspector Kasi Pandian tipped off the accused
  • Police officer reportedly convened caste panchayat against inter-caste relationship
  • Surjith lured Kavin before hacking him with a sickle
  • Victim’s family refuses body until accused’s mother is arrested
2 min read

Honour killing in TN: Deceased Dalit techie's father alleges police role in his son's murder

Kavin Selvaganesh's father accuses Inspector Kasi Pandian of aiding the honour killing, citing caste-based threats and collusion with the accused.

"He is not a police officer; he is a gang leader. – Kavin’s father"

Chennai, July 31

The father of Kavin Selvaganesh, the 27-year-old Dalit software engineer brutally hacked to death in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli, has alleged that a local police officer played a direct role in the suspected honour killing.

He accused Palayamkottai Inspector Kasi Pandian of colluding with the main accused, Surjith, and facilitating the murder.

Speaking to reporters, Kavin's father claimed that the Inspector not only tipped off Surjith about his son's travel plans but also repeatedly threatened Kavin to end his relationship with Surjith's sister, who belongs to a an intermediary caste.

He also alleged that the Inspector convened a caste-based panchayat to pressurise Kavin to break off the relationship and even issued death threats over the phone.

"He is not a police officer; he is a gang leader," the grieving father said, demanding Kasi Pandian's immediate suspension.

He also alleged that the Inspector had close links with the accused's family, as both of Surjith's parents are police Sub-Inspectors, and all had worked in the same department.

According to him, the Inspector forced Surjith to surrender after the murder to contain the fallout.

This is not the first time the officer has faced such allegations -- in 2023, he was accused of involvement in a similar caste panchayat related to the murder of BJP functionary Jagan.

Police said that Surjith lured Kavin to his home on July 27 under the pretext of a discussion.

Trusting him, Kavin went along on a two-wheeler, but midway, Surjith allegedly attacked him with a sickle.

Despite attempting to flee, Kavin was overpowered and hacked to death.

Surjith has been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.

The victim's family has refused to accept his body from Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital until Surjith's absconding mother, Krishnakumari, is arrested.

Surjith's father, who is also named in the FIR, has been taken into custody.

Amid growing outrage, the Tamil Nadu Police, on Wednesday, transferred the case to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department, for a detailed investigation.

Authorities have also booked Surjith under the stringent Goondas Act, citing his threat to public order.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for strong measures against caste-based honour killings in the state.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
As a Tamilian, I'm ashamed this keeps happening in our state. When will we move beyond caste? Kavin was an educated professional - is this how we treat our youth? The police officer must be suspended immediately!
A
Aman W
While the crime is terrible, let's not jump to conclusions about the police officer's involvement. The investigation is still ongoing. We must trust due process while demanding speedy justice.
P
Priya S
Heartbreaking 💔 My thoughts are with Kavin's family. This shows how deep caste discrimination runs in our society. We need stricter laws and better implementation to protect inter-caste couples.
V
Vikram M
The fact that this officer was involved in a similar case last year shows systemic failure. Why wasn't he suspended earlier? TN Police needs complete overhaul. #JusticeForKavin
N
Nisha Z
As a mother, this terrifies me. What kind of society are we creating for our children? Education means nothing if we can't overcome these medieval mindsets. 😢

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