Chennai , 01 August (H.S.):The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally taken over the probe into the 2024 murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Tamil Nadu president K. Armstrong, after the State government withdrew its challenge to a Madras High Court order transferring the investigation to the central agency.

Chennai police have handed over the case records to the CBI, which is expected to examine the evidence collected so far and question the accused lodged in prison. The agency may register a fresh case as part of the process before proceeding with further investigation.

Armstrong, a prominent BSP leader and resident of Perambur, was hacked to death by an armed gang on July 5, 2024. He was attacked while inspecting a construction project in Perambur. Though he was rushed to a private hospital on Greams Road with serious injuries, he died on the way.

The Sembiyam police initially registered the murder case, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was subsequently constituted. Police arrested 30 people during the investigation and later filed an extensive charge sheet running to more than 7,800 pages.

Two accused in the case were subsequently killed in separate police encounters, while another died during medical treatment. Several others were later granted bail.

Armstrong's wife, Porkodi, had raised questions over the police investigation and sought an independent probe. BSP national president Mayawati, who visited Chennai following the murder, also demanded that the case be handed over to the CBI.

Armstrong's brother Emmanuel later moved the Madras High Court seeking a CBI investigation. The High Court ordered the transfer of the probe on December 24, but the then State government challenged the decision before the Supreme Court and secured an interim stay.

Following the subsequent change of government in Tamil Nadu, the State withdrew its Supreme Court appeal, paving the way for implementation of the High Court order.

With the case files now transferred, the CBI is expected to revisit the evidence, examine possible wider links behind the killing and question the accused as it takes the investigation forward.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman