Published Sep 23, 2026 | 7:19 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 23, 2026 | 7:19 PM
K Armstrong. (X)
Synopsis: Along with CBI being asked to submit its fresh status report within two weeks, all parties have also been given a further two weeks to file their responses to the report. The court also directed that the stay on the Madras High Court order relating to cancellation of bail granted to the accused will continue.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday, 23 September, directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to file a fresh detailed status report within two weeks on the investigation into the murder of former Tamil Nadu BSP president K. Armstrong.
A Bench comprising Justices K.V. Viswanathan and Arun Palli heard the matter.
Along with CBI being asked to submit its fresh status report within two weeks, all parties have also been given a further two weeks to file their responses to the report.
The court also directed that the stay on the Madras High Court order relating to cancellation of bail granted to the accused will continue.
The case has been posted for further hearing on November 3. The Bench also said that all unnecessary petitions filed in connection with the matter would be disposed of on that date.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu withdraws appeal in SC against CBI probe into Armstrong murder case
During the hearing, the CBI told the court that it had already filed a status report and sought three more months to complete the investigation. The agency also sought cancellation of the bail granted to the accused and their return to judicial custody, stating that this was necessary to ensure an independent and unhindered investigation.
The CBI submitted that several key accused in the case were influential and that their release could enable them to threaten witnesses, tamper with evidence or evade the investigation.
According to the agency, the investigation conducted so far has established the alleged involvement of the accused in the conspiracy, procurement of weapons, including country-made bombs, providing financial assistance and direct participation in Armstrong’s murder.
Opposing the CBI’s plea, counsel for the accused argued that the agency’s allegations were general in nature and that no specific evidence had been placed before the court to show that the accused had threatened witnesses or attempted to tamper with evidence. The accused were willing to cooperate with the investigation and had not interfered with the proceedings, the counsel submitted.
Appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, P. Karunakaran submitted that since the CBI was now investigating the case, the contempt proceedings initiated against Tamil Nadu government officials in connection with the matter should be closed.
Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu president of the BSP, was hacked to death by a group of assailants near his residence in Perambur, Chennai, on July 5, 2024, triggering widespread political outrage and raising concerns over law and order in the state.
The Tamil Nadu Police arrested several accused and carried out the investigation. However, questioning the fairness and effectiveness of the probe, Armstrong’s family approached the Madras High Court seeking a CBI investigation.
The High Court subsequently transferred the case to the CBI, observing that a central agency probe would ensure greater public confidence in the investigation. The then Tamil Nadu government led by DMK challenged that order before the Supreme Court.
With the current TVK government now withdrawing its appeal, the CBI will proceed with the investigation into Armstrong’s murder.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
