Supporters of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Tamil Nadu gathered outside the Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital Mortuary, demanding justice for their slain leader, K Armstrong. Shouting slogans, they called for the arrest of those responsible for his murder and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the case. The demonstrators also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister M K Stalin, expressing distrust in the state government’s handling of the situation.
#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Police prevent protestors from entering hospital premises as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers and supporters protest outside Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital demanding a CBI probe of the murder of their state president, Armstrong. pic.twitter.com/RmmiP5yZ2M
— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2024
The Attack on K Armstrong
K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu unit president of the BSP, was brutally killed by a mob near his home in Perambur, Chennai, on Friday evening. His body was taken to the Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital for an autopsy. The killing has sparked outrage, leading to shops and businesses in the area shutting down, and Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses halting services.
In response to the rising tension, Chennai police deployed heavy security outside the hospital. So far, 8 suspects have been detained, named as Ponnai Bala, Ramu, Thiruvengadam, Thirumalai, Selvaraj, Manivannan, Santhosh, and Arul, a special team has been formed to investigate the case. Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) for North Chennai, Asra Garg, stated, “In the ongoing murder investigation, we have apprehended 8 suspects thus far. This marks the initial phase of our inquiry, with ten dedicated teams actively pursuing leads to uncover the perpetrators. Following the interrogation of these individuals, we aim to ascertain the motive behind the crime, noting the use of sharp weapons in the incident.”
Condemnation and Calls for Justice
The killing of K Armstrong has drawn widespread condemnation. BSP chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati, denounced the murder and demanded justice. She stated on social media, “The horrific Killing of K. Armstrong, the BSP president in Tamil Nadu, outside his residence in Chennai is deeply reprehensible and deserving of condemnation. Known as a prominent advocate and a powerful advocate for Dalit rights in the state, his killers must be swiftly brought to justice by the state authorities.”
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.
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) July 5, 2024
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami also criticized the ruling DMK party over the incident, questioning the effectiveness of law and order in the state. He emphasized that the murder of such a prominent leader highlights serious issues within the state’s governance.
Public Outrage and Demands
The streets outside the hospital were filled with cries for immediate action, with protestors demanding a thorough investigation by the CBI. They also held Chief Minister M K Stalin accountable, calling for his resignation. Witnesses described a charged atmosphere, with emotions running high as supporters of Armstrong sought justice for their leader.
The case has brought to light significant concerns about safety and justice in Tamil Nadu. As the investigation continues, the public and political leaders alike await answers and accountability for this tragic event.
