The murder of K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu state president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), has sparked outrage and protests in Chennai. Supporters gathered outside the Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital Mortuary, demanding the arrest of the culprits and calling for a CBI inquiry into the incident.
The protesters expressed a lack of faith in the Tamil Nadu government and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister M K Stalin. Heavy police force was deployed at the hospital premises to manage the situation.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin expressed his shock and condolences over Armstrong’s assassination, stating that the police had arrested those involved in the murder overnight. He assured swift action, stating that he had ordered the police to conduct the case expeditiously and bring the culprits to justice.
BSP president Mayawati condemned the killing, calling it “highly deplorable and condemnable.” She described Armstrong as a strong Dalit voice in the state and demanded punishment for the guilty.
The victim was attacked by unidentified assailants near his Perambur residence on Friday evening. Chennai Police have formed 10 special teams to investigate the murder, with Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), North Chennai, Asra Garg confirming the apprehension of eight suspects so far.
The police investigation is underway, with officials working to determine the motive behind the murder. Preliminary investigations suggest that sharp weapons were used in the attack.
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the ruling DMK party over the incident, questioning the state’s law and order situation. He expressed shock and pain over Armstrong’s death and questioned the DMK’s ability to maintain law and order, stating that the assassination of a national party leader raises serious concerns about the state’s safety.
