In a brazen attack, the Tamil Nadu chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Armstrong, was brutally hacked to death by six bike-borne assailants near his residence in Chennai’s Sembium area on Friday. The shocking incident occurred while Armstrong was having a discussion with party functionaries close to his house.
Witnesses reported that the attackers fled the scene immediately after the assault. Armstrong’s family rushed him to the hospital, but tragically, he was declared dead on arrival.
Police officials believe the murder could be an act of revenge linked to the killing of gangster Arcot Suresh last year. “We are conducting an investigation. The murder seems to be linked to an earlier killing,” a police spokesperson stated. There are also unconfirmed reports that the attackers disguised themselves as food delivery agents.
The Sembium inspector of police has been assigned to lead the investigation and crack the case. The opposition has seized upon the incident to criticize the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, highlighting concerns over the state’s law and order situation.
Leader of Opposition Edappadi Palaniswamy expressed his outrage, saying, “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, an advocate by profession, was elected to the Chennai Corporation Council in 2006. He gained significant recognition after organizing a large rally in Chennai two years ago, which was attended by BSP chief Mayawati.
In response to the tragedy, Mayawati took to X to express her condolences and demand justice. “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 wrote.
Sources By Agencies