Madras High Court Directs CB-CID to File Report on Tirunelveli Caste Killing CCTV Footage
The Madras High Court has issued a significant directive in the ongoing investigation into the Tirunelveli caste killing incident. On Tuesday, the court ordered the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) to file a detailed report after thoroughly examining the CCTV footage submitted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). This footage, recorded on the Tirunelveli-Seevalaperi Road stretch on July 27, 2025, is a crucial piece of evidence related to the day of the tragic caste-based murder.
Court Hearing and Petitions Filed by Accused
The court was hearing petitions filed by two of the accused in the case: K Saravanan, a suspended sub-inspector of police, and K Jayapal. Both individuals are seeking to quash the chargesheet that was filed by the CB-CID before the trial court in Tirunelveli. This legal move highlights the complexities and high stakes involved in the prosecution of this sensitive case.
In compliance with an earlier court order, the NHAI submitted the CCTV footage before the court on Tuesday. Justice L Victoria Gowri, presiding over the matter, directed the CB-CID to peruse the CCTV footage meticulously and file a comprehensive report before the court. This step is expected to provide further clarity and potentially strengthen the evidence against the accused.
Background of the Tirunelveli Caste Killing Case
The prosecution's case revolves around a heartbreaking incident of caste violence. Kavin Selva Ganesh, a scheduled caste youth who worked as an IT employee in Chennai, was in a relationship with S Subhashini, who belongs to the Maravar community. On July 27, 2025, this relationship turned deadly when Subhashini's brother, Surjith, allegedly murdered Kavin at KTC Nagar in Tirunelveli.
Following the murder, Surjith, along with his father Saravanan and cousin Jayapal, were arrested. Additionally, Surjith's mother, Krishnakumari, who is a sub-inspector and an accused in the case, was placed under suspension. Due to the gravity and sensitivity of the case, the investigation was subsequently transferred to the CB-CID to ensure a thorough and impartial probe.
The court's latest directive underscores the judicial system's commitment to a fair and evidence-based resolution. By ordering the CB-CID to analyze the CCTV footage, the Madras High Court aims to ensure that all aspects of the case are thoroughly investigated, potentially leading to justice for the victim and accountability for those involved.
