Tamil Nadu Transfers Kavin Selvaganesh Murder Case to CB-CID for Independent Probe

The Tamil Nadu government has escalated the investigation of 23-year-old Kavin Selvaganesh's murder to the CB-CID, heightening efforts for a fair and impartial probe. Selvaganesh, from Thoothukudi, was brutally hacked to death in Tirunelveli on July 27, prompting widespread alarm across the state.

Following a complaint by the victim's mother, the Palayankottai Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The case names S Surjith as the prime suspect, alongside his parents, Saravanan and Krishnakumari, both Sub-Inspectors in the Tamil Nadu Special Police Force.

Charges include BNS Sections 296(b), 49, and 103(1), along with SC/ST Act Sections 3(1)(r), 3(1)(s), and 3(2)(v), highlighting the gravity of the incident and its caste-related dimensions. Investigations suggest a relationship dispute involving Surjith's sister led to the murder. Surjith, held on the day of the crime, now faces detention under the Goondas Act.

In moves to secure impartiality, authorities have suspended Saravanan and Krishnakumari to prevent their influence on the inquiry. Selvaganesh worked at a Chennai IT firm, while the woman, from a Most Backward Class (MBC) community, practiced Siddha medicine in Palayamkottai.

Details reveal Selvaganesh was visiting Arumugamangalam to escort his grandfather to the woman's clinic when Surjith, upon learning of his presence, summoned him for talks. The confrontation escalated, resulting in Surjith's fatal attack with a hidden machete. Quick police response led to the retrieval of Selvaganesh's body for postmortem, and an investigation is underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)