Funeral Procession Of Over 7 Hours For Slain Tamil Nadu BSP Leader, Hundreds Attend

New Delhi: BSP Tamil Nadu chief Armstrong was laid to rest in Pothur area of Thiruvallur district late Sunday evening in the presence of hundreds of his grieving supporters. The BSP leader was brutally murdered by unidentified assailants near his house in Chennai on Friday, sparking widespread grief and outrage across the state. Armstrong was buried in neighbouring Tiruvallur district after Madras High Court refused for his burial at party office in Chennai as it is located in a residential area and is small in size. Armstrong's mortal remains were brought to the private land for burial after a funeral procession of over seven hours. People gathered in Pothur for the funeral procession and showered flowers on the mortal remains of Armstrong as it crossed them.52-year-old Armstrong was hacked to death by bike-borne assailants near his residence in Perambur. He was rushed to a private hospital in Chennai, but succumbed to the injuries.

#WATCH | Funeral procession of #TamilNadu #BSP state president K. #Armstrong is underway in Chennai.

The Madras High Court had rejected a writ petition seeking to bury him on the party's office premises. pic.twitter.com/UgiAkH7ZUF

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 7, 2024

A strong dalit voice, Armstrong was popular in North Chennai, and nearby districts. He was popular among the members of the Dalit community, especially among the youth as he used to support their educational and employment pursuits.ALSO READ: With 8 Criminal Cases Against Him, K Armstrong Once Took on StalinArmstrong was elevated to the post of state unit chief soon after he joined the BSP and continued to hold the postition for 17 years, till his tragic death on Friday. He gained national prominence by organising rallies of Mayawati in Tamil Nadu.Earlier on Sunday, BSP chief Mayawati flew from Delhi to pay her last respect to the slain leader. Addressing Armstrong's supporters in Chennai, the BSP chief 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.Expressing anguish over Armstrong's death, she also said the manner in which the group of assailants attacked Armstrong showed "there was nothing called law and order" in the state."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 BSP TN Unit has issued a statement regarding the recent murder of BSP TN Chief K. Armstrong, who was hacked to death in Chennai.

Their demands include a CBI probe, a government-respected funeral for K. Armstrong, and a designated public place for his cremation.

Watch as… pic.twitter.com/qQqCxLYJ1s

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) July 6, 2024

The BSP leader further said Dalits all over the state 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.