The Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) on Friday arrested suspended sub-inspector S Krishnakumari, the mother of the main accused S Surjith in the murder of software engineer Kavin Selvaganesh in Tirunelveli. This arrest comes nearly 10 months after the incident.
Background of the Case
Krishnakumari was named as the third accused in the First Information Report (FIR) and the chargesheet filed by investigators. The arrest followed repeated directions from courts regarding the delay in securing her custody. The case is being tried before the special court for cases under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Tirunelveli.
Court Orders and Arrest
Although the chargesheet had already been filed, Krishnakumari remained out of custody for months. A court had directed investigators to produce her during proceedings held last November. After she failed to appear, a non-bailable warrant was issued against her. She did not appear even during the hearing held on May 26. The trial court questioned why she had not been arrested despite being named in the chargesheet and directed CB-CID to take action. CB-CID later traced and arrested Krishnakumari, who investigators said had been absconding.
Post-Arrest Procedure
She was questioned at the CBCID office in Perumalpuram, Palayamkottai. Police later took her to Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital for a medical examination. Visuals from the arrest showed her crying while boarding a police vehicle after being brought out of the CB-CID office.
Criticism from High Court
The arrest came months after the Madurai bench of the Madras high court criticised CB-CID's handling of the case. Justice L Victoria Gowri had questioned why Krishnakumari was not arrested when her husband Saravanan had already been taken into custody.
Details of the Murder
Kavin, a scheduled caste man from Arumugamangalam in Tuticorin district, was murdered at KTC Nagar in Tirunelveli on July 27, 2025. Investigators alleged the killing was linked to his relationship with Subashini, sister of Surjith. CB-CID had earlier arrested Surjith, his father Saravanan and their relative Jayapaul. Both Saravanan and Krishnakumari were placed under suspension after the murder case surfaced.
