• Source:JND
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A 23-year-old Dalit techie from Chennai, Kavin Selvaganesh, was allegedly murdered in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district on Sunday, reportedly over his inter-caste relationship with a woman from a different community.

The prime accused, Surjith Selvaganesh, son of a police officer couple, was said to be against his sister’s relationship with Kavin. According to police sources, Surjith allegedly lured Kavin under the pretext of a conversation and then killed him.

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Kavin had travelled to Tirunelveli to visit his ailing grandfather, who was receiving treatment at a Siddha centre. His girlfriend, a doctor at the centre, was also present. CCTV footage obtained by police reportedly shows Surjith picking up Kavin on a two-wheeler from outside the facility shortly before the murder.

Authorities have registered a murder case and invoked the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act due to the caste-based motive. A case has also been filed against Surjith’s parents, who are both serving police officers, over allegations of possible complicity or attempts to shield their son. Surjith has since surrendered to the police.

According to the NDTV report, police said, "Surjith says he didn't approve the relationship and despite his warning, Kavin was in touch with her. Further investigation is underway."

Tensions escalated in the area following the incident, as locals and Kavin Selvaganesh’s relatives staged a protest by blocking the main road. The demonstrators demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, Surjith Selvaganesh, and his parents, accusing the police of bias and inaction due to the family’s influential background.

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Amid mounting outrage, police officials assured the public that the officer couple would be arrested within 24 hours. However, the situation remains tense, with Kavin’s grieving family yet to receive his body, intensifying both the emotional distress and public anger surrounding the case.