Chennai/Lucknow- The city of Chennai is in shock following the brutal murder of K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief, who was hacked to death by six unidentified assailants on Friday evening outside his home in Perambur.
The Chennai police have reportedly arrested eight persons in connection with the murder. Many teams have been constituted who are in lookout for the assailants and collecting evidences including CCTV footages from various locations of the city.
Armstrong, a prominent Dalit leader and advocate, was attacked by the assailants who arrived on three bikes, disguised as delivery personnel in red Zomato T-shirts. The attackers were well-armed and carried handmade bombs, indicating a premeditated plan to kill the BSP leader.
Supporters vented their anger, questioning the state of law and order after the murder of the Dalit leader, especially state president of a national political party. His killing at his residence in Perambur, with the local police station merely 100 meters away, raises serious concerns.
According to Shabbir Ahmed, a journalist at The News Minute, Chennai police have arrested Arcot Balu, brother of history-sheeter Arcot Suresh, along with seven others in connection with the murder. Arcot Suresh himself was murdered last year in Srinivasapuram, Chennai. Police suspect that this may be a revenge killing, and investigations are currently ongoing.
Witnesses describe the gruesome scene outside Armstrong’s residence, where the attack took place. His friends fled as the gang wielded machetes and sickles, threatening anyone who tried to intervene.
His family members rushed to the scene on hearing his cries, only to find him lying in a pool of blood with severe injuries to his head and neck. They quickly took him to a private hospital in the city, where doctors pronounced him 'brought dead'.
Armstrong, who began his political career as a councilor and had contested against the sitting Chief Minister MK Stalin from the Kolathur constituency, was well-known and greatly admired in North Chennai, particularly in the areas of Jamalia, Sembiam, and surrounding regions.
The murder has sent shockwaves through the community, with hundreds of Armstrong’s supporters gathering outside the Government Hospital in Chennai where his body was brought for postmortem.
Emotions ran high as supporters staged a road roko, protesting and demonstrating their anger against the brutal killing of their beloved leader. The protestors demanded swift action and justice for Armstrong’s murder.
Police faced significant challenges in controlling large crowds gathered at various locations to express their anger and mourn the brutal murder of their leader.
Tension prevailed for hours as shops and business establishments downed their shutters and MTC buses suspended their services. Besides, traffic was also affected.
In response to the incident, BSP Supremo Mayawati condemned Armstrong’s murder in a post shared on her X handle. “The gruesome killing of Mr. K. Armstrong, Tamil Nadu state Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president, outside his Chennai house is highly deplorable and condemnable. An advocate by profession, he was known as a strong Dalit voice in the state. The state government must punish the guilty,” wrote the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
The murder of K Armstrong has also drawn condemnation from activists, social workers, and members of various Dalit organizations. They expressed their outrage not only over Armstrong’s killing but also over the deteriorating law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. This incident follows a recent hooch tragedy In Kallakurichi, where 65 people from Dalit and tribal communities lost their lives.
As news of Bahujan Samaj Party's Tamil Nadu State President K Armstrong's brutal murder spread, condolences poured in from all quarters.
Thol. Thirumavalavan, MP and Founder-President of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), expressed his deep shock and grief in a heartfelt letter. "The news of Bahujan Samaj Party's Tamil Nadu State President Brother Armstrong being brutally hacked to death by an anti-social gang is shocking. It gives unbearable grief. We strongly condemn this cowardly act. We urge the Tamil Nadu government to immediately arrest all the criminals and imprison them in anti-gang detention," he wrote.
During the initial stages of his political journey, Armstrong rose to prominence by coordinating rallies in Chennai for former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and becoming a recognized Dalit leader in the city.
Even though the BSP held limited influence in Tamil Nadu, Armstrong, who led the state unit, was well-known for his involvement in local mediation and political activism
He had dedicated his life to the revolutionary cause of spreading Ambedkar's ideology and played an active role in propagating Buddhism in Tamil Nadu.
Armstrong annually visited Nagpur with many companions on the anniversary of Ambedkar's conversion to Buddhism and had even established a Buddhist vihara near his residence in Chennai-Perambur. Armstrong's commitment to Buddhism and his belief in it as an alternative cultural path were deeply rooted in his activism.
Armstrong's efforts extended beyond religious advocacy; he was also known for his contributions to education and the legal profession. He made a significant impact on producing young lawyers and educating children from poor families.
The Dalit community is reeling in shock and sorrow following the tragic murder of Armstrong.
Armstrong's supporters expressed deep concern over the safety and rights of Dalits in Tamil Nadu, emphasizing ongoing challenges despite the state's reputation for social justice.
" Even in so-called bastions of social justice, like Tamil Nadu, Dalits find themselves unsafe. The situation here is no different from BJP-ruled northern states. Dalits face victimization at every stage of their social lives, from school-going children to married couples, village presidents to party presidents" , one of the posts on social media read.
Reflecting on her personal connection with him, Dalit rights activist and author Shalin Maria Lawrence recalls their first meeting in 2018, when Armstrong's gift of the Indian Constitution sparked profound discussions on Babasaheb Ambedkar and the constitutional rights pivotal to shaping her political beliefs.
A staunch Ambedkarite and devoted Buddhist, Armstrong courageously challenged the RSS in Tamil Nadu and vehemently opposed the entrenched Dravidian caste system, shaking up traditional vote bank politics.
His conversion to Buddhism marked him as the lone Dalit leader and party head in Tamil Nadu to embrace Navayana Buddhism, dedicating his resources to its revival through cultural celebrations and educational initiatives for underprivileged Dalit youth.
Known for his erudition, discipline, and boundless compassion, Armstrong leaves behind a legacy of tireless advocacy and empowerment that resonates deeply within the community. His untimely demise has left a void, leaving Dalits mourning the loss of one of their most resolute defenders in the state.
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