Kavin Selva Ganesh, a 27-year-old Dalit software engineer employed with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Chennai, was allegedly hacked to death near a Siddha clinic in KTC Nagar, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. The accused, 21-year-old S Surjith, is the brother of Subashini, Kavin’s longtime girlfriend and a Siddha practitioner.
Surjith surrendered shortly after the attack, reportedly. His parents, both sub-inspectors in the police force—Saravanan and Krishnakumari—have also been named co-accused for allegedly inciting the crime and threatening Kavin. Police have registered cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and other relevant laws. This horrific caste-based honour killing has sparked widespread outrage and protests, demanding swift justice and systemic reforms.
Brutal Murder and Official Response
According to police and reports, Surjith lured Kavin out under the pretext of speaking with their parents. After a brief ride on Surjith’s motorbike from the Siddha clinic—where Subashini works—the accused suddenly attacked Kavin with a sickle, also throwing chilli powder into his face. Despite Kavin’s attempts to flee, he was allegedly chased down and fatally hacked about 200 metres from the clinic. The police recovered CCTV footage from the scene and arrested Surjith the same day after he surrendered.
Charges against him and his parents include murder, incitement, and atrocities under the SC/ST Act. A senior police official condemned the act as “reprehensible” and assured a thorough investigation. Kavin’s family has accused Surjith’s parents of using their positions to threaten and harass Kavin prior to the murder and called for their suspension, which has triggered protests in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi demanding justice.
Context of Caste-Based Honour Killings in Tamil Nadu
Kavin came from a Scheduled Caste community, while Subashini and her family belong to a Most Backward Class community. Despite a longstanding amicable relationship, hostility from the woman’s family—especially her brother and police officer parents—escalated, culminating in this violence. Honour killings rooted in caste and social prejudices remain a grievous issue in parts of Tamil Nadu and India at large, where couples in inter-caste relationships face threats, harassment, and sometimes fatal violence.
Human rights groups emphasise the urgent need for stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws, social sensitisation, and safety mechanisms to protect vulnerable individuals. Police have taken cognisance, but the case also highlights challenges when accused perpetrators hold authoritative positions.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This heart-wrenching incident is a stark reminder of the deep-seated casteism and regressive notions of honour that continue to claim innocent lives. At The Logical Indian, we stand for upholding human dignity, freedom of choice, and the rule of law in the face of such violence.
It is essential that the government, law enforcement, and society unite to break these cycles of hatred through strict action, awareness, and dialogue. Communities must foster empathy and respect for personal autonomy while protecting those at risk.
