K. Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), was brutally killed by a six-member gang near his residence in Chennai on Friday. BSP leader Mayawati responded strongly to the incident, urging the Tamil Nadu government to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The gang, riding on two-wheelers, attacked Armstrong, a former Chennai Corporation councillor, near his home in Perambur, causing severe injuries. He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital. Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the suspects.
Mayawati condemned the murder on social media, describing it as “highly deplorable and condemnable.” She emphasized Armstrong’s role as a prominent Dalit advocate and stressed the necessity for the state government to punish those responsible.
Who Was K. Armstrong? Armstrong held a law degree from Venkateswara University in Tirupati and practiced law in Chennai. He served as a corporation councillor in 2006 and became the BSP’s Tamil Nadu president the following year. In the 2011 Tamil Nadu assembly election, he ran in the Kolathur constituency, gaining significant support despite not winning. Throughout his career, Armstrong was a vocal advocate for Dalit and underprivileged rights. Despite the BSP’s limited political presence in Chennai, Armstrong was recognized as a strong Dalit voice.
Police Response The Chennai Police have formed 10 special teams to investigate Armstrong’s murder. According to a police statement, Armstrong was assaulted with knives while standing outside his home on Venugopal Samy Kovil Street, Perambur. He sustained severe bleeding injuries and was declared dead upon arrival at Apollo Hospital. The special teams, led by Additional Commissioner of Police (North) Asra Garg, are intensifying efforts to arrest the culprits.
Reactions from Opposition AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized the ruling DMK party, questioning the state of law and order. He expressed shock and sadness over Armstrong’s death, offering condolences to the BSP and Armstrong’s family. Palaniswami condemned the DMK chief for allowing such crimes to occur without fear of the police or government, and urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to ensure Armstrong’s funeral proceeds peacefully.
BJP spokesperson ANS Prasad called for the immediate arrest of Armstrong’s killers. He highlighted the BJP’s concerns over the declining law and order situation in Tamil Nadu and described Armstrong as a young and active leader of a national party. Prasad demanded swift action from the Tamil Nadu government to arrest the murderers.