BSP Tamil Nadu Chief Murdered In Chennai, Eight Suspects In Custody: Here's All You Need To Know

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Tamil Nadu unit chief Armstrong was hacked to death by six bike-borne men near his house in Chennai on Friday (5 July).

According to the police, eight people have been taken into custody in connection with the attack.

The six men attacked Armstrong when he was having a discussion with a few party functionaries near his house in the city's Sembium area and then fled.

The family rushed him to a hospital, but he was declared brought dead.

Police reportedly suspect the murder to be a revenge killing linked to the death of gangster Arcot Suresh last year.

"In the murder case, we have secured eight suspects so far. This is a preliminary investigation. Ten teams have been formed by us. We are on the job to bring the offenders to light. After the interrogation of these suspects, we will be able to find the motive behind the murder. Some sharp weapons have been used," said senior Chennai police officer Asra Garg, NDTV reported.

According to reports, the attackers posed as food delivery agents. However, the police are yet to confirm this.

The opposition has criticised the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, citing the killing as evidence of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

Leader of Opposition Edappadi Palaniswamy said, "What do I say when the state chief of a national party is murdered? The law and order is shameful. There is no fear of law or the police".

Armstrong, a lawyer by profession, was elected to the Chennai Corporation Council in 2006. He gained prominence after organising a mega rally in Chennai two years ago and invited BSP chief Mayawati.

In a post on X, Mayawati termed Armstrong a strong voice of Dalits and called for the guilty to be punished. 

"The gruesome killing of Mr K Armstrong, Tamil Nadu state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president, outside his Chennai house is highly deplorable and condemnable. An advocate by profession, he was known as a strong Dalit voice in the state. The state Govt. must punish the guilty," she said.

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