Chennai Police Suspects Involvement of Slain Gangster Suresh's Aides in Armstrong Killing

Chennai: The Chennai police, probing the brutal killing of the Bahujan Samaj Party's (BSP) Tamil Nadu unit chief K Armstrong, suspects the involvement of slain gangster Arcot Suresh's aides in the murder case. So far, police have made eight arrests in connection with the Armstrong murder case and recovered many items which can prove crucial in the probe.

Speaking with news agency 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."

Underlining the suspected motive behind the killing, ACP Garg said that the associates of gangster Arcot Suresh, who was assassinated last year, believed the murder plan was "conspired" by Armstrong.

"In continuation of this, the special teams formed by the Chennai police have secured three more suspects. The preliminary investigation so far indicates that the motive prima facie appears to be based on different types of analysis. 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 Mr Armstrong, who was murdered on Friday," he stated.

"Armstrong was murdered by associates of Arcot Suresh, including his brother, who has been arrested by us," ANI reported quoting the ACP. The city police have constituted special teams to probe the case.

Greater Chennai Police Commissioner Sandeep Rai Rathore, earlier on Saturday, ruled out any political angles in the killing. “We are still in the process of investigation, it's not even been 24 hours as yet. According to us, there is no political angle for now. We are still looking for the eyewitnesses in the CCTV. We have been taking preventive actions. As per figures, Chennai has been the safest city, and the number of murders has reduced in the district. I can share the figures with you," Rathore had said on Saturday while speaking to reporters.

Meanwhile, the mortal remains of the slain BSP leader were placed at Corporation School Ground in Chennai for public to pay homage. Several people were seen paying floral tributes to the leader. 

Mayawati Demands CBI Inquiry

BSP supremo Mayawati also paid tributes to Armstron and demanded a CBI inquiry into the murder case.  She said, “The way he was killed, shows there is nothing called law and order in Tamil Nadu. Those who have killed him, the real culprits have not been nabbed.”

"The real culprits have not been nabbed. Transfer the probe to CBI. We are not hopeful that the state government will ensure justice. So, refer the matter to CBI immediately," she demanded.

Armstrong Brutally Killed in Chennai

Armstrong was allegedly hacked to death by a group of six unidentified assailants on July 2 outside his house in Chennai’s Perambur area. The incident took place on Friday night which sent shock waves in the area. Following the incident, the police rushed to the spot and shifted the body to the mortuary of a nearby hospital.

A two-wheeler-borne gang attacked Armstrong, a former councillor of Chennai Corporation, near his house in Perambur inflicting grievous injuries on him, and fled.

His killing led to massive protests by BSP workers and supporters in the city. The protesters has also blocked a road in the city, demanding immediate arrest of the accused involved in the murder.