Chennai, India — In a dramatic late-night operation, police fatally shot a man accused of participating in the murder of Tamil Nadu BSP Chief K Armstrong, following a confrontational encounter in Chennai. The incident occurred as the suspect allegedly opened fire on police during an evidence recovery effort.
According to police officials, the accused, identified as Thiruvengadam, was at the scene to assist police in locating weapons used in Armstrong’s assassination. During the operation, Thiruvengadam reportedly seized a gun and shot at the officers, prompting them to return fire. He was critically injured in the exchange and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
K Armstrong, a prominent political figure and a lawyer by profession, was brutally murdered by six assailants on motorcycles near his residence earlier this month. The attackers ambushed him while he was engaged in discussions with party members in the Sembium area, then swiftly fled the scene. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Armstrong succumbed to his injuries.
Thiruvengadam had been apprehended and charged as one of the primary suspects in this high-profile murder case. His death marks a significant turn in the ongoing investigation, potentially complicating the evidence-gathering process.
Armstrong had been a notable figure in local politics, having been elected to the Chennai Corporation Council in 2006. His prominence grew significantly after organizing a large-scale rally featuring BSP chief Mayawati in Chennai, which drew national attention two years ago.
The murder has sparked widespread calls for justice, including from BSP chief Mayawati, who has vocally criticized the state government’s handling of the case. She has called for a CBI investigation into Armstrong’s death, citing concerns over the safety of the weaker sections of society and criticizing the state’s law enforcement’s effectiveness.
“I urge the state government, especially the Chief Minister, to ensure law and order in the state. The communities most at risk should be protected, and serious steps must be taken to apprehend those responsible for such heinous acts,” Mayawati stated. She emphasized the necessity of a CBI inquiry to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation into the killing.
This incident has not only highlighted the ongoing challenges in maintaining law and order in the region but also raised questions about the safety measures in place for political figures, especially from minority parties. The local community and political leaders are increasingly anxious about the potential ramifications this could have on political discourse and safety in Tamil Nadu.
As the case progresses, the impact of Thiruvengadam’s death on the investigation remains to be seen, with authorities continuing to pursue leads on the remaining suspects involved in Armstrong’s murder.