Lack of political will in TN to prevent caste crimes
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. 'Honour killings' have perpetuated in the state from Kannagi-Murugesan in 2003 to Kavin's murder now. Many cases remain unreported, disguised as suicides in rural areas. Despite reformers like Periyar, caste remains, as Dr B R Ambedkar said, 'a state of mind'. A civil society report documents 65 'honour killings' in Tamil Nadu since 2017. The systemic failure in the implementation of the already existing provisions and directives enables such crimes.
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