State president of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in Tamil Nadu, K Armstrong met a tragic end on Friday evening in Chennai when he was brutally hacked to death by a gang of six assailants near Perambur.
The 47-year-old leader was chatting with acquaintances outside his residence when the attackers, armed with machetes and sickles, launched a sudden assault.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chilling scene as Armstrong's friends fled in fear while the gang mercilessly attacked him, leaving him critically wounded.
His family, alerted by his cries, rushed to the spot only to find him lying unconscious in a pool of blood, suffering from severe injuries to his head and neck.
Despite being rushed to a nearby private hospital, doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.
Law enforcement officials, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police I Eswaran and Assistant Commissioner of Police Praveen Kumar, swiftly responded to the crime scene.
Following the murder in Chennai's Perambur on Friday evening, police arrested eight accused after they surrendered to the Deputy Commissioner of Anna Nagar.
A 10-member SIT has been formed to investigate and apprehend the culprits.
Additional Commissioner Chennai North Asra Garg is leading the investigation after BSP supporters demanded CM MK Stalin's resignation after the murder of the party state chief.
Armstrong, a prominent Dalit advocate-turned-politician, had a history of involvement in civic activism and had garnered attention for his role within the BSP despite the party's limited influence in Tamil Nadu.
Political figures across party lines have condemned the killing, with BSP leader Mayawati calling for swift justice and heightened security measures. Taking to her X handle, Mayawati stated, "The gruesome killing of Mr. K. Armstrong, Tamil Nadu state Bhajun 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 Govt. must punish the guilty, said BSP Supremo Mayawati taking to her X handle."
Former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami criticised the DMK-led state government's handling of law and order.
On the other hand, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan urged for a dedicated investigative unit to ensure the culprits are apprehended promptly.
Armstrong's political journey began with a noteworthy victory as an independent candidate in the 2006 local body elections, reflecting his grassroots support and commitment to community representation.
He is survived by his wife and daughter.
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