BSP chief Mayawati pays last respects to slain party leader; says no law and order in TN, demands CBI probe

Mayawati also claimed those who have been arrested so far were not the real culprits and urged CM M K Stalin to refer the probe to the Central agency to ensure justice for the victim.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati speaks after paying her last respects to the mortal remains of party leader K. Armstrong, who was hacked to death by a six-member gang, in Chennai. (Photo | P ravikumar, EPS)

CHENNAI: BSP supremo Mayawati on Sunday demanded a CBI probe into the death of her party's slain Tamil Nadu president K Armstrong, who was hacked to death here on Friday.

She claimed those who have been arrested so far were not the real culprits and urged Chief Minister M K Stalin to refer the probe to the Central agency to ensure justice to the victim.

Mayawati, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, paid homage to Armstrong here and placed a wreath before the body of the 52-year-old leader at a private school in Perambur in the city.

"The murder of a hardworking and dedicated BSP leader and state party chief outside his residence has deeply hurt me and my entire family. Armstrong was associated with the philosophy of Ambedkar and was a follower of Buddha, so when he decided to work in politics, he chose BSP. He strove for the growth of the BSP in Tamil Nadu," the BSP chief said.

BSP Chief #Mayawati and party's National Coordinator, #AkashAnand pay their last respects to slain Tamil Nadu BSP chief #KArmstrong in Chennai.

📹ANI. pic.twitter.com/xnZsRA2FSu

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 7, 2024

Expressing anguish over Armstrong's death, she also said the way he was killed, by a group of assailants late in the evening, showed "there was nothing called law and order" in the state.

CM Stalin must ensure justice for Armstrong and transfer the probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation.

"The way he was killed, shows there is nothing called law and order in Tamil Nadu. Those who have killed him, the real culprits have not been nabbed," she said.

"The real culprits have not been nabbed. Transfer the probe to CBI. We are not hopeful that the state government will ensure justice. So, refer the matter to CBI immediately," she demanded.

"The persons arrested in this case so far are for namesake, the real culprits are still at large. The state government should take this seriously, as it is not only about our state president but about the security and safety of weaker sections and Dalit people in the state," she added.

The BSP leader further said Dalits all over the state were were apprehensive following Armstrong's killing and urged the CM to ensure their safety.

The BSP has taken the matter seriously, but party workers should not take law and order into their hands, she said.

(with inputs from PTI)