K Armstrong, 52, was a well-known figure in Chennai and earned his popularity by being an Ambedkarite who vowed to serve Dalits
The Tamil Nadu Bahujan Samaj Party’s (BSP) Chief K Armstrong was hacked to death by six armed men in Chennai’s Perambur on Friday. He was talking to his friends and supporters near his house when the attack occurred.
The people around Armstrong fled the scene when the incident happened as the assailants flung their machetes, warning them to attack anyone who intervened. The BSP state chief’s family rushed to the scene only to find him in a pool of blood after he suffered fatal injuries in the head.
The horrific attack has invited condemnation from BSP Chief Mayawati as well as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin.
The police have arrested eight people suspected to be linked to the case. Those arrested are Ponnai Bala, Ramu, Thiruvengadam, Thirumalai, Selvaraj, Manivannnan, Santhosh and Arul. Meanwhile, preliminary investigation suggests that the murder of the BSP Tamil Nadu chief was a case of hostility and revenge.
Who was Armstrong?
K Armstrong, 52, was a well-known figure in Chennai and earned his popularity by being an Ambedkarite who vowed to serve Dalits.
A politically influential man who especially drew the support of the youth, Armstrong was an advocate by profession.
His claim to fame was his efforts toward social welfare, education and community-building initiatives.
Armstrong had held the position of BSP Tamil Nadu chief for many years and by doing so he spread the principles of BSP in the the southern state.
He was appointed as a Chennai Corporation councilor in 2006. In 2011, the leader contested assembly elections from the Kolathur constituency.
Despite his widespread popularity, Armstrong had been in trouble with the law. Police say that several criminal cases have been registered against him.
Mayawati calls for peace
In a post on X, Mayawati said, “The brutal murder of a hardworking and dedicated leader of the BSP in Tamil Nadu and the state party unit president Shri K. Armstrong outside his Chennai residence yesterday evening has sent shockwaves across the society. The government should immediately take strict/necessary action to prevent such incidents in future.”
She also announced that she will visit Chennai tomorrow owing to the gravity of the situation. “I appeal to all to maintain peace and order.”