Kavin Selvaganesh, a 27-year-old Dalit software engineer from Thoothukudi, was in a long-term relationship with Subashini, a Siddha doctor from Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu

Despite love since school—and facing caste-based threats—the couple stayed in touch long after Kavin moved to Chennai for work

On July 27, as Kavin visited the Siddha clinic to accompany his ailing grandfather, he was lured away by Surjith, the woman’s brother and son of police inspectors.

Surjith suddenly attacked him with a sickle and chilli powder, hacking him to death about 200 meters from the hospital—while Kavin tried to escape

The murder sparked protests: Kavin’s family refused to accept his body until action was taken. The brother surrendered; Surjith’s parents, both serving sub-inspectors, were suspended and named in the FIR too

The case was transferred to Crime Branch‑CID. Activists and leaders are renewing demands for stronger laws against caste‑based honour violence