Union Minister Athawale demands CBI probe into BSP chief K Armstrong’s murder

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 17 (ANI): Expressing concern over Tamil Nadu BSP chief K Armstrong's murder, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to transfer the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough investigation.
Athawale on Friday met the family of Tamil Nadu BSP chief K Armstrong at their residence in Chennai today.
Athwale also criticised the state government for not providing adequate security to leaders hailing from reserved communities.
Addressing the media after visiting the family of the slain leader of the BSP, K Armstrong, he demanded strong action on the death of Armstrong and also on maintaining law and order in general.
"I request Tamilnadu Chief Minister MK Stalin ji to transfer this Armstrong murder case to CBI probe. Even the Party demand for CBI Probe. I appeal to Tamilnadu Chief Minister to protect the Dalit leaders in Tamilnadu," he said in an address after meeting the slain leaders' family.
Armstrong was hacked to death last Friday evening by a group of unidentified men near his residence in Perambur, Chennai.

The Chennai police suspect the involvement of associates of gangster Arcot Suresh, who was murdered in August last year, in the murder.

In an interview with ANI on Sunday, Asra Garg, Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), North Chennai, said, "After sustained interrogation, due analysis, and diligence regarding the facts and circumstances of each suspect, we have arrested eight people. We have seized seven blood-stained weapons, one Zomato t-shirt, a Zomato bag, and three bikes that were used in the commission of the offence.

"Highlighting the suspected motive behind the killing, ACP Garg mentioned that the associates of gangster Arcot Suresh, who was assassinated last year, believed it was "conspired" by Armstrong."

In August 2023, Arcot Suresh was murdered by a gang; his family and associates believe it was done under the direction or in conspiracy with Armstrong, who was murdered on Friday," he stated.

The Chennai police formed special teams to comprehensively probe the case. (ANI)