Bahujan Communities Hit Chennai Streets: Rally Demands Justice for Slain Dalit Leader K. Armstrong

Chennai- On Saturday July 20, Chennai witnessed a significant rally organized by Neelam Foundation Coordinator and film director Pa. Ranjith, demanding justice for K. Armstrong, a slain Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader.

The 52-year-old State President of BSP was hacked to death by a six-member bike-borne gang near his house at Perambur on July 5. According to police, he was killed to avenge the murder of notorious criminal 'Arcot' Suresh in August 2023. With the investigation ongoing, the Greater Chennai police has apprehended 14 accused so far.

 The murder has put the ruling DMK in a spot with its ally, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the most influential Dalit outfit in the state, claiming that the real culprits who killed him have not been nabbed. 

The incident has infuriated the Bahujan community who have been strongly criticising the law and order situation in the Tamil Nadu and specially discriminatory behaviour towards the marginalized sections.

Film maker Ranjith called for a peaceful rally to demand that the perpetrators of his brutal murder be brought to justice.

The march commenced at Langs Garden Road, traversed Cooum Road, and culminated at Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore. The demonstration, lasting approximately two hours, featured participants holding placards with slogans like ‘Dalit Lives Matter,’ calling for heightened protection for leaders from the Dalit community.

The rally drew support from various political and social leaders, who voiced their condemnation of the murder and demanded a comprehensive investigation.

Poovai M. Jaganmoorthy of the Puratchi Bharatham, Se. Ku. Tamilarasan of the Indian Republic Party, Sivakami of the Samuga Samathuva Padai, S.P. Udayakumar, anti-nuclear activist, and Thirumurugan of the May 17 Movement all spoke at the event.

In his address, Ranjith, who referred to Armstrong as a “brother,” described him as a powerful leader both politically and within his community.

He praised Armstrong for his contributions to education and youth development. Ranjith claimed there was a “big conspiracy” behind Armstrong’s murder and urged the police to thoroughly investigate all angles and hold those responsible accountable.

He also hinted at a potential religious motive, noting Armstrong’s opposition to discriminatory Hindu practices and his embrace of Buddhism.Ranjith criticized the Tamil Nadu government’s handling of the case, arguing that the authorities could have managed the situation more effectively. He specifically condemned the manner in which Armstrong’s body was handled, the denial of burial space, and the organization of the funeral procession.

The protestors are calling for a fair and thorough investigation into Armstrong’s murder. Ranjith stressed that if the current investigation does not meet their expectations, they will demand a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).