Tirunelveli honour killing: Victim’s father alleges police officer's role in murder

By Sagaya Fernando | August 5, 2025

Tirunelveli / Thoothukudi. Tamil Nadu, INDIA: The father of Kavin Selvaganesh, a 27-year-old Dalit IT professional who was brutally murdered in a suspected caste-based honour killing in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district, has alleged the direct involvement of a local police officer in his son’s murder.

C Chandrasekar, Kavin’s father and a resident of Arumugamangalam village in Thoothukudi district, has accused Palayamkottai Inspector Kasi Pandian of conspiring with the accused, Surjith, who is the younger brother of Kavin’s partner. He demanded the immediate suspension of the officer and alleged that Pandian not only issued threats to Kavin but also convened a caste-based panchayat to pressurise him to end the inter-caste relationship.

“He is not a police officer, he is a gang leader,” Chandrasekar told reporters, claiming that Pandian had repeatedly warned Kavin to sever ties with Subhasini, Surjith’s sister. He also alleged that the inspector had tipped off Surjith about Kavin’s movements prior to the murder.

Kavin, who belonged to the Scheduled Caste Devendra Kula Vellalar community, was in a relationship with Subhasini from the dominant Thevar community’s Maravar sub-sect, categorised as a Denotified Community. The relationship reportedly faced strong opposition from Subhasini’s family, leading to escalating tensions.

On July 27, Kavin was hacked to death in broad daylight in KTC Nagar, Tirunelveli, after being lured out by Surjith under the pretext of a conversation. According to police, Surjith attacked Kavin with a sickle during their journey.

The murder has sparked widespread outrage across Tamil Nadu, with protests erupting in several districts demanding justice. The state government has since transferred the investigation to the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID). Surjith has been arrested and detained under the Goondas Act. His father, Saravanan, a serving Sub-Inspector, was arrested on July 30. His mother, Krishnakumari, also a Sub-Inspector named in the FIR, remains absconding.

The victim’s family had refused to accept Kavin’s body until both parents of the accused were arrested. After five days of protests and negotiations involving political leaders and government officials, the family agreed to receive the body on August 1. Ministers KN Nehru and District Collector K Sukumar paid their respects before the funeral rites were conducted in the family’s native town.

In response to growing public pressure, armed police protection has been extended to Chandrasekar, following threats reportedly made against him. The SC/ST Commission recommended the security detail. Suspicions have also been raised about the involvement of local "coolie groups" in the broader conspiracy.

Political Reactions and Demands for Justice

Several political leaders have visited the family in recent days. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief and MP Thol Thirumavalavan met the bereaved family on August 1 and demanded a High Court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the case. He also called for ₹1 crore in compensation and round-the-clock police protection for the family. Thirumavalavan criticised the delay in arresting Krishnakumari despite her being named in the FIR.

DMK MP and party deputy general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi also visited the grieving family and assured them of the government’s commitment to justice. “No one will be protected. The CB-CID is probing the case and the law will take its course,” she said, adding that honour killings are a societal failure that must be addressed urgently.

Responding to Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran’s demand for a dedicated anti-honour killing law, Kanimozhi said she had already raised the issue in Parliament. “This is a pan-India problem. A separate law is necessary,” she said.

She was accompanied by Ministers KN Nehru and Anitha R Radhakrishnan, Tirunelveli Mayor Jegan Periyasamy, Ottapidaram MLA MC Shanmugaiah, Srivaikuntam MLA Urvasi Amirtharaj, District Collector K Elambahavath and SP Albert John during her visit.

The brutal murder, allegedly rooted in caste pride and aided by systemic complicity, has once again exposed the deep-seated caste prejudices that persist across parts of Tamil Nadu, reigniting calls for stronger laws and faster justice in honour killing cases