Tamil Nadu BSP chief’s murder: Protests break out in Chennai, ‘ordered police to expedite case,’ says Stalin

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister MK Stalin had said that the police have been ordered to investigate the case expeditiously and “bring the culprits to justice as per the law”.

Offering condolences, Stalin said in a post on X: “Bahujan Samaj Party State President Mr. Armstrong’s assassination is shocking and deeply saddening. The police arrested those involved in the murder overnight. Mr. I would like to convey my deepest condolences and condolences to all of Armstrong’s party, family, relatives and friends who are bereaved and I have ordered the police officers to conduct the case expeditiously and bring the culprits to justice as per the law.”

Early on Saturday, a senior police official had told news agency PTI that at least eight suspects have been detained in the case so far. The police have formed 10 teams to crack the case, Asra Garg, Additional Commissioner (North) told media on Friday.

“We have secured eight suspects so far. This is early an investigation, a preliminary investigation. So, after some time, a clear and better picture will emerge with more facts and circumstances coming to light,” Garg was quoted as saying by PTI.

There are some “two to three suspicious motives”, but the exact one would come to light only after the interrogation of the suspects, he added.

The murder took place on Friday evening near Perambur in Chennai while Armstrong was talking to his friends. The accused attacked him with deadly weapons, leaving him in a pool of blood with severe injuries to his head and neck. Even though he was taken to hospital immediately, the doctors pronounced him dead.

Reacting to the murder, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said: “Deeply shocked by the brutal and abhorrent killing of Thiru Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu Chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and followers.”

He added, “Tamil Nadu Congress leaders are in constant touch with the Government of Tamil Nadu, and I am confident that the Government will ensure that the culprits are brought to justice expeditiously.”

Who is K Armstrong?

Armstrong, an advocate by profession, began his active political career with a law degree. He had a tumultuous early life, with police saying he faced eight criminal cases in the past. Armstrong rose to popularity as a Dalit leader in Chennai by holding rallies for former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati in the city.

“His history sheet was closed a decade ago. In his early political career, Armstrong gained prominence by organising rallies for former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati in Chennai and serving as a known Dalit leader in the city. Despite leading the state unit of the BSP, a party with minimal influence in Tamil Nadu, he was known for his active role in local mediations and political activism,” an officer probing the case said.