Chennai: K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president, was allegedly murdered near his residence in Chennai on Friday night, according to officials. The incident occurred around 7:30 pm in Perambur, northern Chennai, when Armstrong was attacked by six suspects on three bikes while speaking with friends on the road.
Details of the Incident
- Attack: Armstrong was attacked by a group of six men riding three bikes.
- Injuries: He sustained severe injuries to his head and neck.
- Hospitalization: He was rushed to a private hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Police Action
- Case Filed: The Chennai police have registered a case of murder.
- Special Team: A special team, led by Additional Chief of Police Asra Garg, has been formed to track the suspects and investigate the motives behind the murder.
- Security Measures: The entire locality has been placed under a security blanket.
Political Reactions
- DMK Ally VCK: D Ravikumar, a parliamentarian from the ruling DMK ally Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), urged the Tamil Nadu government to arrest and punish the killers swiftly.
- AIADMK: General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami criticized the DMK government, claiming it has allowed law and order to deteriorate.
- BJP: State President K Annamalai condemned the violence, stating that brutality has become a norm in Tamil Nadu under the DMK regime.
Armstrong’s Background
Although the BSP does not have a significant political presence in Chennai, Armstrong, an advocate, was a well-known Dalit voice. He served as a ward Councillor of the Greater Chennai Corporation in 2006.
The murder has shocked the political community, with opposition and allies of the ruling party expressing their concerns over the state of law and order in Tamil Nadu. The special police teams are working diligently to apprehend the suspects and bring justice to Armstrong’s family and supporters.