The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, withdrew its challenge before the Supreme Court against the Madras High Court’s order directing a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Tamil Nadu president K. Armstrong, paving the way for the central agency to formally take over the investigation, as reported in The New Indian Express.
The state government filed an interlocutory application before the apex court seeking permission to withdraw its appeal, stating that it had decided to allow the CBI to investigate the high-profile murder case. Accepting the request, the Supreme Court permitted the withdrawal of the appeal, thereby allowing the transfer of the investigation to the CBI.
The development marks a significant shift in the state’s position. The Tamil Nadu government had earlier challenged the Madras High Court’s direction to transfer the probe to the CBI, arguing that the state police were capable of conducting the investigation.
Armstrong Murder – Background
K. Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu president of the Bahujan Samaj Party, was allegedly hacked to death by a group of assailants near his residence in Perambur, Chennai, on July 5, 2024. The murder sent shockwaves across the state, triggering widespread political condemnation and raising concerns over law and order.
Following the killing, the Tamil Nadu Police launched an investigation and filed a chargesheet. However, questions were raised over the probe, prompting legal proceedings seeking an independent investigation.
The Madras High Court subsequently ordered that the investigation be handed over to the CBI, observing that an independent agency should investigate the case to ensure an impartial and fair probe.
The Tamil Nadu government challenged this order before the Supreme Court. However, with Wednesday’s withdrawal of the appeal, the state has effectively accepted the transfer, enabling the CBI to officially assume control of the investigation.
In another significant development earlier this year, the Madras High Court cancelled the bail granted to 12 accused in the case after hearing a petition filed by Armstrong’s wife, Porkudi.
In February, the High Court observed that the case was still at the stage of framing charges and held that releasing the accused at such a stage could result in witness intimidation, tampering with evidence, or destruction of material evidence. The court consequently revoked their bail and directed all 12 accused to surrender before the Principal Sessions Court in Chennai on or before March 6. The deadline was later extended.
The murder case has witnessed multiple rounds of litigation before the Supreme Court.
On 10 October 2024, the apex court stayed the Madras High Court’s order that had quashed the chargesheet filed by the Tamil Nadu Police. However, while granting that relief, the Supreme Court declined to stay the High Court’s direction transferring the investigation to the CBI.
Subscribe to our channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
