On Sunday, BSP Supremo Mayawati called for a CBI investigation into the tragic murder of her party’s Tamil Nadu president, K Armstrong, who was brutally killed in Chennai on July 5th. Mayawati, accompanied by her nephew and BSP National Coordinator Akash Anand, arrived in Chennai to pay their final respects to K Armstrong.
She urged the state government to transfer the case to the CBI, highlighting the need for marginalized communities to feel secure and protected. She emphasized that ensuring the safety of these vulnerable groups is crucial.
Former UP Chief Minister, Mayawati, emphasized that the BSP is taking this incident very seriously and will not remain silent. She assured that the state unit will actively press the government to hand the case over to the CBI. She expressed her condolences, praying for strength for the family and supporters of the victim. She urged party members to push for justice while staying within legal boundaries, demonstrating that marginalized communities respect the law and seek justice through proper channels.
Mayawati expressed concerns about the safety of Dalits following Armstrong’s murder, highlighting that it isn’t just about one Dalit leader’s death. She emphasized that the entire Dalit community feels threatened, with many Dalit leaders apprehensive about their safety.
Mayawati claimed that the individuals arrested by the local police were not the actual criminals. She criticized the state’s law and order situation, stating that the manner in which he was killed indicates a breakdown in governance.
Meanwhile, the police suspect that individuals associated with the late gangster Arcot Suresh are responsible for Armstrong’s murder, whom they have arrested.
On Friday, K Armstrong, the leader of BSP in Tamil Nadu, was brutally killed near his home in Chennai’s Perambur. Authorities have arrested eight people and seized seven weapons stained with blood. Asra Garg, the Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) for North Chennai, provided insights into the investigation during an interview with ANI on Sunday. He explained that following extensive interrogation and meticulous examination of each suspect’s role, authorities arrested eight individuals. They also confiscated seven blood-stained weapons, along with a Zomato t-shirt, a Zomato bag, and three bikes believed to have been used in the crime.
The chief minister expressed his shock and sadness on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), stating that the assassination of Bahujan Samaj Party State President Mr. Armstrong is deeply disturbing. He noted that the police had swiftly arrested those responsible for the murder overnight.
He also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Armstrong’s party members, family, relatives, and friends who are mourning. The chief minister emphasized that he has directed the police to expedite the investigation and ensure that the culprits are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The BSP’s Chief concerns are well-founded. The increasing incidents of violence against Dalits across India are alarming for any society that values progress and civility. According to the ‘Crime in India, 2022’ report published by the National Crime Records Bureau, crimes against Dalits have seen a significant rise in 2022 compared to previous years.
Despite the protections guaranteed by the constitution and the presence of political representation, violence against Dalits is increasing. The persistent atrocities against Dalits continue regardless of which political party holds power.
Ensuring justice and security for Dalits and other marginalized communities should be a top priority for the government, as it highlights our commitment to upholding the principles of equality and dignity for every citizen in our society.
