TN BSP chief hacked to death: 8 arrested, supporters protest in Chennai; Mayawati to visit state tomorrow

NEW DELHI: Tension gripped Chennai as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) workers rallied outside the Rajiv Gandhi Government Hospital mortuary on Saturday following the brutal killing of K Armstrong, president of the BSP's Tamil Nadu unit.
Armstrong was tragically hacked to death just a day earlier, prompting a wave of outrage among party members.
Outside the hospital, scenes turned chaotic as BSP leaders and supporters gathered to protest, demanding justice for their slain leader.Attempts to breach police barricades and a 'road roko' protest underscored the intensity of their emotions.
"Slogans demanding the immediate arrest of the "real perpetrators" echoed through the air, accompanied by calls for a CBI investigation," witnesses recounted. The protestors also directed their ire towards chief minister MK Stalin, demanding accountability and his resignation over the incident.

Heavy police forces, including senior officers, have been deployed at the hospital to maintain order.
Armstrong was hacked to death by a group of unidentified men near his residence in Perambur, Chennai.
The murder has led to significant unrest in the area, with shops and businesses in the vicinity closing down and Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses suspending operations.
BSP's Tamil Nadu Vice President Nayayanan Thirupathy lashed out at CM Stalin, demanding his resignation.
Eight arrested
Chennai police have arrested eight suspects believed to be involved in the brutal killing.
According to police sources, the murder was reportedly carried out in retaliation for the earlier killing of gangster Arcot Suresh.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Ponnai Bala, Ramu, Thiruvengadam, Thirumalai, Selvaraj, Manivannan, Santhosh, and Arul.

They were apprehended based on mobile tower locations and bike registration numbers, following a meticulous review of CCTV footage.
All eight suspects are said to belong to the Kuravar community.
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin condemns assassination
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has expressed profound sorrow over the brutal killing of Armstrong.
In a statement posted on 'X', CM Stalin conveyed his condolences to Armstrong's family, friends, and BSP colleagues, describing the incident as "shocking and deeply saddening."
He assured that the police have swiftly apprehended those involved in the murder and instructed them to expedite the investigation to ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.
"Bahujan Samaj Party State President Mr. Armstrong's assassination is shocking and deeply saddening. The police arrested those involved in the murder overnight," CM Stalin wrote.
'Highly deplorable': Mayawati condemns incident, to visit Chennai
BSP chief Mayawati has condemned the gruesome killing of the party's Tamil Nadu president, asking the state government to "punish the guilty." She described the incident as highly deplorable and condemned the act.

"The gruesome killing of K Armstrong, Tamil Nadu state Bahujan 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," Mayawati stated in a post on X on Friday.
"Considering the seriousness of this extremely sad and worrying incident, I am planning to go to Chennai tomorrow morning to pay my tributes to Armstrong and meet his grieving family and console them. I appeal to all to maintain peace and order," she added in another post.
Rahul Gandhi condoles killing
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has expressed deep shock and condemnation over the tragic killing of K Armstrong.
In a message posted on 'X', Gandhi conveyed his condolences to Armstrong's family, friends, and supporters. "Deeply shocked by the brutal and abhorrent killing of Thiru Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu Chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and followers," Gandhi wrote.
Gandhi further assured that Tamil Nadu Congress leaders are actively engaged with the state government to ensure swift justice for the perpetrators. "Tamil Nadu Congress leaders are in constant touch with the government of Tamil Nadu, and I am confident that the government will ensure that the culprits are brought to justice expeditiously," he affirmed.
EPS raises concerns over law and order
AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami also criticised the ruling DMK party over the incident, highlighting concerns about the state's law and order. He used social media to voice his discontent, saying, "If such a leader is assassinated, then what is the point of criticizing the law and order in the state?"
In reaction to the murder and subsequent demonstrations, Chennai police have ramped up security measures to ensure public safety and prevent further unrest. The situation remains tense as authorities continue their investigation.
'Shocking, painful': TVK chief Vijay condemns killing
Actor-turned-politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Thalapathy Vijay also condemned the brutal killing of Armstrong and offered his condolences to the family.

Taking to 'X', Vijay wrote, "It is a shocking and painful incident. Condolences to the Armstrong family and his party cadres. Tamil Nadu government should take the required precautionary steps to stop such crimes in future. Without any compromises, the government should ensure the law and order and the safety of all".