Published Jul 15, 2026 | 7:41 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 15, 2026 | 7:41 PM
Tamil Nadu BSP chief Armstrong, who was hacked to death in Chennai
Synopsis: 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 government on Wednesday, 15 July, informed the Supreme Court that it would allow the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Tamil Nadu president K. Armstrong and sought permission to withdraw its appeal challenging the transfer of the case to the central agency.
The state government filed an interlocutory application before the apex court seeking to withdraw its appeal against the Madras High Court’s order directing a CBI investigation into the case.
The Supreme Court permitted the withdrawal of the appeal, paving the way for the CBI to take over the investigation.
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.
(With inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
