Lack of Political Will in TN to Prevent Caste Crimes

Even as the uproar over the custodial death of Ajithkumar and the suicide of Rithanya due to dowry harassment continues, the honour killing of young Dalit Kavin Selvaganesh has raised troubling questions about Tamil Nadu's socio-political climate.

- GRACE ANU & EDGAR KAISER

Even as the uproar over the custodial death of Ajithkumar and the suicide of Rithanya due to dowry harassment continues, the honour killing of young Dalit Kavin Selvaganesh has raised troubling questions about Tamil Nadu's socio-political climate. This murder shatters the belief that education can keep caste discrimination at bay. While activists and politicians demand a special law for honour killings, it is time to examine what has been done, and what governments have failed to do.

Is this an isolated event?

While Tamil Nadu's Dravidian movement is often celebrated for its social justice legacy, caste-based violence and honour killings persist. Twenty-seven-year-old Kavin was killed over his relationship with a dominant caste woman. Southern districts have seen recurring caste violence, often involving students. In Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, a Dalit boy was hacked by classmates from a dominant caste after prolonged bullying, prompting the government to form a one-man committee under Justice Chandru in 2023. Two years later, in 2025, another Dalit boy was hacked, losing his fingers after leading his team to victory in a kabaddi match against dominant caste players.