21-year-old S Surjith Dead After Alleged Attack on Dalit Software Engineer
In a disturbing case of suspected honour killing, 21-year-old S Surjith has been arrested after allegedly hacking to death a 27-year-old Dalit software engineer in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The accused, the son of two police sub-inspectors, is now at the centre of a crime that has triggered outrage and protests across the region.
The victim, Kavin Selva Ganesh, was employed with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Chennai. Hailing from Arumugamangalam in Thoothukudi district, Kavin was in a long-term relationship with Subashini, Surjith’s elder sister. Their relationship, which began during their school days, had faced intense opposition from Subashini’s family due to caste differences.
21-year-old S Surjith Dead- From a Meeting to a Murder
On Sunday, Kavin visited KTC Nagar in Tirunelveli to meet Subashini, who works as a Siddha consultant, regarding his grandfather’s health. It was there that Surjith allegedly approached him, saying that his parents wanted to speak. Trusting him, Kavin accompanied Surjith on his two-wheeler towards Astalakshmi Nagar.
According to the police complaint filed by Kavin’s mother, S Tamizhselvi, Surjith abruptly stopped the vehicle, confronted Kavin about his relationship with Subashini, and accused him of crossing caste boundaries. Moments later, Surjith allegedly pulled out a sickle and attacked Kavin multiple times.
Eyewitnesses reported that Kavin tried to run, but he was chased down and hacked to death barely 200 metres from the hospital where Subashini works. The broad daylight killing left the local community shocked.
Police Officers Named as Co-Accused
Surjith is the son of sub-inspectors Saravanan and Krishnakumari, who have both been named as co-accused in the case. Kavin’s family alleges that they had repeatedly harassed and threatened him over his relationship with their daughter.
The Palayamkottai police have booked Surjith and his parents under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 2015. CCTV footage from the crime scene has been collected, and Kavin’s body was sent to Tirunelveli Government Hospital for post-mortem.
Family’s Refusal to Accept the Body
Kavin’s family has refused to take possession of his body until action is taken against all accused, including the parents. His mother expressed deep anger, stating that those in positions of power should not be allowed to manipulate the investigation. “They have used their influence before. We fear they will try to protect their son now,” she said.
Protests have erupted in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts, with community members demanding the suspension of the two police officers and strict legal action.
Caste-Based Honour Killings Still a Grim Reality
This case has once again put a spotlight on caste-based violence in India, particularly honour killings, where relationships across caste lines are met with deadly opposition. Despite legal protections, such crimes persist, often aided by the influence and social standing of the perpetrators’ families.
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Activists have called for swift justice in the case and stronger measures to protect couples facing caste-based hostility. Also Read: VinFast Opens Manufacturing Facility in Tamil Nadu, Marking Powerful Step in India’s EV Journey
Conclusion:
The death of Kavin Selva Ganesh and the arrest of 21-year-old S Surjith have shaken Tamil Nadu, raising urgent questions about caste prejudice, police accountability, and the safety of inter-caste couples. As the investigation unfolds, the victim’s family and supporters continue to demand that justice be delivered without fear or favour.
