Police have detained eight suspects in connection with the murder of BSP state president K Armstrong, whose killing has sparked protests demanding a CBI investigation into what supporters claim was a planned attack.
Armstrong, a former Chennai Corporation Councilor, was fatally attacked by a gang of six assailants on motorcycles near his home in Perambur on Friday.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin expressed shock over Armstrong’s death and assured swift action, noting that the suspects were apprehended in an overnight police operation.
“The police have arrested those involved in his murder in an overnight operation,” Stalin said in a post on ‘X’. He said he had ordered the police to conduct the investigation expeditiously and ensure that the culprits are punished according to law. “I would like to convey my deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family and friends,” he said.
Supporters gathered outside the hospital where Armstrong’s body underwent a post-mortem, disrupting traffic on Poonamallee High Road before police dispersed them.
Asra Garg, Additional Commissioner (North), said that 10 investigative teams have been assigned to the case, acknowledging several potential motives that will be clarified through interrogation.
BSP chief Mayawati in a post on X said, “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 government must punish the guilty.”
Meanwhile, VCK founder and MP Thol Thirumavalavan claimed the detained suspects had surrendered and were not the actual perpetrators.
Political figures across parties, including Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai and AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, condemned the killing and called for justice.
BJP state president K Annamalai criticised the DMK government’s handling of law and order, describing the incident as a sign of increased violence during their tenure.