The court noted that the petitioner had allegedly assisted the first accused, Surjith, in absconding and in tampering with evidence.
Published Sep 24, 2025 | 11:06 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 24, 2025 | 11:06 AM
The deceased, Kavin Selva Ganesh.
Synopsis: The Additional Sessions Court in Tirunelveli dismissed the bail petition filed by Jeyapaul, accused in the caste killing of Kavin Selvaganesh. In its findings, the court observed that the petitioner’s involvement was revealed through scientific evidence, CDR analysis, witness statements and confessions of co-accused.
The Additional Sessions Court in Tirunelveli of Tamil Nadu dismissed the bail petition filed by Jeyapaul, accused in the caste killing of Kavin Selvaganesh, being investigated by the Crime Branch, Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID).
In its findings, the court observed that the involvement of the petitioner, who is accused no.4 in the case, was revealed through scientific evidence, Call Detail Record (CDR) analysis, witness statements and confessions of co-accused.
It was further noted that the petitioner had allegedly assisted the first accused, Surjith, in absconding and in tampering with evidence. It was further noted that the petitioner had allegedly assisted the first accused, Surjith, in absconding and in tampering with evidence.
Kavin, a Dalit software engineer, was allegedly hacked to death in front of his mother in broad daylight in the Palayamkottai area in Tirunelveli. He was reportedly in love with Surjith’s sister since his schooldays in Thoothukudi. Kavin was stopped on the road, chased, and hacked to death, allegedly for being in a relationship with the woman who belongs to a different caste.
The court recorded that several incriminating materials, including DVR, DRUM and a number plate, had been seized from the petitioner’s premises.
The judge underscored that the investigation is still in progress, with forensic lab reports awaited and more witnesses to be examined. The court cautioned that releasing the petitioner on bail at this stage would risk witness intimidation and tampering of evidence, thereby affecting the fairness of the ongoing probe.
After considering the seriousness of the charges and the objections raised by the prosecution as well as the de facto complainant, the court held that the petitioner, who is alleged to have committed offences punishable under Sections 296(b), 103(1), 49 and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), was not entitled to bail at this stage. Consequently, the bail petition was dismissed.
Surjith’s parents, Saravanan and Krishnakumari — both police sub-inspectors — were suspended from service to ensure an impartial and transparent investigation.
The deceased belonged to Devendra Kula Vellalar, a Scheduled Caste (SC) community, while the woman belongs to Maravar, a Most Backward Class (MBC) community.
Preliminary police investigation revealed that Kavin was in a long-term relationship with a woman who studied with him during school days in Thoothukudi.
The woman is reportedly a Siddha doctor working at a private Siddha clinic in KTC Nagar. On 27 July, it is said that Kavinselva went to the clinic with his grandfather under the pretext of seeking treatment, but in reality, he had gone to meet his girlfriend.
It was while returning from the clinic that Surjith chased him with a machete and hacked him to death.
During police interrogation, Surjith reportedly confessed that he had repeatedly asked Kavin to end his relationship with his sister. Despite this, Kavin continued to meet her at the clinic.
Enraged by this, Surjith said he waited for the right moment and murdered him. He reportedly added that he voluntarily surrendered because he believes he should face punishment for what he has done.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose.)
