Police Link Tamil Nadu BSP Chief's Murder To 2023 History-Sheeter Killing, Dismiss Political Motive

The Greater Chennai police investigating the murder of Tamil Nadu Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief K. Armstrong on Friday linked his killing to the ‘revenge murder’ of gangster Arcot Suresh, who was killed in August last year allegedly due to a gang rivalry.

Greater Chennai Police Commissioner Sandeep Rai Rathore told the media that despite this possibility, they did not find any “specific threat” to Armstrong during the investigation.

“We are investigating from all angles. Armstrong had a gun license. He surrendered the gun following the model code of conduct during the elections. His gun was returned to him after the model code of conduct was lifted. After accessing our records, we did not find any specific threat to Armstrong,” Rathore stated.

Commissioner Rathore emphasised that there is “little chance of a political motive” in the case.

Armstrong was hacked to death by six bike-borne men near his house in Perambur, Chennai, on Friday evening. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

To investigate the murder case, the police have formed 10 special teams and have arrested eight people so far in connection with the case.

“10 special teams were formed. After investigating the crime scene and CCTV footage, 8 suspects were arrested in 2 hours. The conspiracy of the crime and everything is being investigated,” the Commissioner added.

Meanwhile, BSP supporters of the slain leader claimed his killing was “planned murder” and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of the 52-year-old former Chennai Corporation Councillor.

Earlier today, they also staged a protest outside Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai, where Armstrong’s body is being kept in the mortuary for autopsy.

(With inputs from ANI)