On 4 August 2025, the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to submit its response in connection with a petition seeking to transfer the investigation of BSP leader K. Armstrong’s murder to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Armstrong, who served as the state president of the Bahujan Samaj Party, was killed last year. The petition, filed by his wife Porkodi, alleges that the current police investigation is biased and lacks diligence. She urged the court to hand over the case to the CBI for a more impartial and effective probe.
During the hearing, Justice P. Velmurugan questioned the validity of relying on media reports in criminal investigations and proceedings. He expressed concern over the submission by the government counsel, representing Greater Chennai Police, who argued that an identification parade wasn’t held because the images of the accused had already been widely circulated in the media.
The judge countered this reasoning, stating that the arrest of suspects and conducting an identification parade serve distinct purposes. While arrests are necessary for custody and questioning, identification parades are crucial for witnesses to confirm the accused’s identity. “If an eyewitness is willing to identify the accused in person, what prevents you from conducting an identification parade?” he asked.
Justice Velmurugan also criticised the media’s role in high-profile cases, warning against what he described as “media trials.” He noted that sensationalised coverage often disregards journalistic responsibility and accountability, even though the media claims to act as the fourth pillar of democracy.
The court has directed the authorities to file a counter-affidavit and adjourned the matter to 20 August 2025. A similar petition has also been filed by Armstrong’s brother, on which the court has reserved its decision.
(With inputs from The New Indian Express)
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