Kavin caste killing: Madras HC grants bail to fourth accused Jayapal

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has granted conditional bail to Jayapal, the fourth accused in the caste killing of Dalit man Kavin Selva Ganesh in Tirunelveli in July 2025.

According to reports, Justice S Karthikeyan granted bail observing that the trial was unlikely to conclude soon. The prosecution plans to examine 70 witnesses and has collected 37 documents, the court observed. Jayapal has been in custody since his arrest on August 13, 2025.

The judge said the allegations against Jayapal concerned intimidation and helping to conceal evidence after the killing. The court also took note of the quashing of charges against two co-accused, but declined to quash the case against Jayapal.

“Therefore, considering the gravity of the offence, the overt act alleged against this appellant (Jayapal), the time taken for the completion of trial, and the quashing of charges in respect of co-accused, this court is inclined to extend bail to him subject to stringent conditions,” Justice S Karthikeyan said, according to DT Next.

The conditions imposed on the accused include not entering the village where the crime took place or contacting the complainant, either directly or electronically. He must report to the trial court at 10.30 am and 5.30 pm every day until further orders. The police may seek cancellation of his bail if he violates the conditions.

Jayapal had appealed the High Court after the II Additional District Court (PCR) in Tirunelveli rejected his bail plea. The prosecution and Kavin’s father, the complainant, opposed his release. They alleged that Jayapal took part in the conspiracy and helped the main accused, Surjith, destroy evidence at a quarry in Pappankulam. The prosecution also cited call records showing that Jayapal had spoken to Kavin twice on January 25, 2025.

Kavin, who belonged to the Devendra Kula Vellalar community, was from Arumugamangalam near Eral in Thoothukudi district. He was in a relationship with S Subhashini, a Siddha doctor from Tirunelveli. Subhashini’s younger brother, Surjith, was arrested for Kavin’s murder. Police later named Surjith’s cousin, Jayapal, and their parents as co-accused.

Last month, the High Court quashed the CB-CID charge sheet against Surjith’s parents Saravanan and Krishnakumari, both of whom were police officers.