CBCID Files Detailed Chargesheet in Tamil Nadu Dalit Techie Honour Killing Case as Court Denies Police Officer Bail

The sister of accused Surjith is a doctor, and both their parents, who serve as police officers, are also implicated in the case.

The Crime Branch-CID (CBCID) has submitted a comprehensive chargesheet regarding the dishonour killing of Kavin, a 23-year-old Dalit software engineer in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli. According to the investigation, Kavin was fatally attacked with a sickle by Surjith, his girlfriend's brother, who opposed their relationship.

CBCID chief TS Anbu confirmed that the chargesheet names four individuals: Surjith, his father Saravanan (a police sub-inspector), mother Krishnakumari (also a police officer), and a relative named Jaipal. The investigation involved statements from 69 witnesses and includes 37 supporting documents, with the final report submitted to the court on October 22.

The Tirunelveli Additional Sessions Court has denied bail to Saravanan for the third consecutive time. The presiding judge expressed concerns that Krishnakumari might influence witnesses if her husband were released, potentially obstructing the ongoing investigation into what the court described as an "open and deliberate honour killing."

Additionally, the court noted that investigators still need to access Kavin's iPhone, which remains locked with facial recognition, suggesting that further digital forensic investigation may be necessary once the device is unlocked.

Kavin was employed at a Chennai-based IT firm and had traveled to Tirunelveli to visit a hospital where his girlfriend worked as a doctor, seeking treatment for his grandfather in July. During this visit, Surjith allegedly lured Kavin away on a two-wheeler before murdering him.

The killing has triggered widespread outrage, with Dalit organizations and human rights activists calling for justice and stringent legislation against caste-based violence.

In response, the Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to introduce specialized legislation targeting dishonour killings. A commission is being formed to study such crimes and recommend preventive measures to address this issue.