Police Crack Wider Conspiracy in BSP Leader Armstrong’s Murder: 15 Arrested Across Political Parties
The Greater Chennai Police have exposed an extensive conspiracy behind the murder of BSP leader K. Armstrong, leading to the arrest of at least 15 individuals, including members of the DMK, AIADMK, and Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC). A BJP functionary remains at large.
Following Armstrong’s murder on July 5, police arrested 11 suspects, including K. Thiruvengadam (later killed in an encounter), advocate Arul, and Ponnai Balu, who were taken into judicial custody. When suspects were interrogated, Thiruvengadam attempted to flee but was shot dead after firing at the police in Puzhal.
Investigations revealed that two gangs colluded for over a month to orchestrate Armstrong’s murder, with large financial transactions uncovered from their call and bank records. Among the recent arrests were AIADMK functionary Malarkodi, TMC member Praveen alias Hariharan, and DMK functionary’s son Sathish Kumar. Three cars were seized during these operations. Malarkodi, who held a historic grudge against Armstrong, previously lost her husband to gang violence and faced an attempt on her life in 2019.
Further inquiry pointed to another gang and a history-sheeter from Vysarpadi, currently serving a life sentence, whose associates were implicated. This convict had clashed with Armstrong, prompting his gang to mobilize substantial funds through illegal means for the murder. Balu, seeking revenge for his brother’s death, played a central role in the scheme, channeling ₹50 lakh to the killers via Malarkodi, Hariharan, and Sathish Kumar.
On Thursday, D. Selvaraj of the BJP’s minority wing was apprehended, while a search is ongoing for BJP Mahila Morcha functionary Anjalai, both of whom had significant involvement in the plotting.
The investigation underscores the deep-rooted criminal nexus and inter-political affiliations influencing violent crimes in Chennai.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/more-arrests-made-as-net-widens-in-the-murder-of-bsp-leader-armstrong/article68418185.ece
Category : Chennai
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