Madras High Court Transfers BSP Leader K Armstrong Murder Case To CBI

Justice P. Velmurugan, pronouncing the order, said the case was “a classic example of how investigative flaws can derail justice,” and rejected the state’s claim that the Chennai police had conducted a comprehensive investigation. The court was hearing a petition filed by Armstrong’s brother, K. Immanuvel, who had alleged that crucial witnesses were ignored, evidence mishandled, and the probe compromised under political influence.

“The State police have failed to conduct an identification parade even though eyewitnesses were available,” Justice Velmurugan observed. “The prosecution cannot take shelter under the argument that the photographs of the accused were already in the media. Was the media the eyewitness to the crime?”

Armstrong, a 52-year-old Ambedkarite leader and a strong Dalit voice in Tamil Nadu politics, was hacked to death in broad daylight on July 5, 2024, near his residence in Perambur, Chennai. An armed gang posing as food-delivery agents launched the attack, killing him on the spot and leaving his elder brother injured while trying to protect him.