Union Minister Athawale Demands CBI Probe into Murder of Tamil Nadu BSP Chief

Expressing deep concern over the murder of Tamil Nadu BSP chief K Armstrong, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Athawale visited Armstrong's family residence in Chennai on Friday.

Athawale criticised the Tamil Nadu government for failing to provide adequate security to leaders from reserved communities. Addressing the media after meeting Armstrong's family, Athawale demanded stringent action in Armstrong's death and underscored the importance of maintaining law and order.

'I request Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin ji to transfer this Armstrong murder case to CBI probe. Even the Party demand a CBI Probe. I appeal to Tamilnadu Chief Minister to protect the Dalit leaders in Tamilnadu,' Athawale said. Armstrong was brutally murdered last Friday evening by unidentified assailants near his residence in Perambur, Chennai.

The Chennai police suspect that associates of the slain gangster Arcot Suresh, who was murdered last year, are involved. Following sustained interrogation, the police arrested eight individuals and seized multiple incriminating items, including blood-stained weapons and bikes. The police suggest that Arcot Suresh's associates believed Armstrong conspired in Suresh's murder. Special teams have been formed to thoroughly investigate the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)