Daijiworld Media Network - Tirunelveli

Tirunelveli, Jul 28: In a chilling case of caste-based violence, a 23-year-old Dalit techie from Chennai, Kavin Selvaganesh, was allegedly murdered by his girlfriend’s brother in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district on Saturday.

The accused, Surjith Selvaganesh—son of a police officer couple—was reportedly enraged over his sister’s relationship with Kavin, who belonged to a Scheduled Caste. Police say Surjith lured Kavin under the pretext of a conversation and allegedly killed him. CCTV footage shows Surjith taking Kavin away on his motorbike from outside a Siddha treatment centre, where the victim’s grandfather was admitted and his girlfriend worked as a doctor.

Following the incident, a murder case was registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Surjith later surrendered to the police.

The police have also booked Surjith’s parents, both serving officers, amid allegations of shielding their son. “Surjith says he warned Kavin to stay away from his sister. Despite that, they were in touch. The investigation is ongoing,” said a police official.

Anger spilled onto the streets as local residents and the victim’s family staged a road blockade, accusing the police of inaction due to the accused’s influential background. They demanded immediate arrest of Surjith’s parents and speedy justice.

Despite police assurances that action will be taken within 24 hours, the victim’s family is yet to receive his body, adding to their grief and intensifying public outrage.