Madras High Court Orders Surrender of 12 Accused in BSP Leader Murder Case
In a significant development, the Madras High Court on Friday cancelled the bail granted to 12 individuals accused in the brutal murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state leader K Armstrong. The court has directed these accused persons to surrender on or before March 6, 2024. However, in a separate ruling, the court refused to cancel the bail granted to two women accused, identified as Anjalai and Malarkodi, allowing them to remain free under the existing bail conditions.
Court's Order on Bail Cancellation Plea
Justice K Rajasekar passed this crucial order while allowing a petition moved by Armstrong's wife, Porkodi. She had sought the cancellation of bail granted to a total of 14 accused in connection with her husband's murder. The court's decision partially upheld her plea, affecting 12 of the accused while sparing the two women.
According to Porkodi's submission, the sessions court had initially granted bail to the accused solely on the ground that the investigation was transferred from the Tamil Nadu police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). She argued that since the Supreme Court has now stayed the CBI probe, the basis for granting bail no longer exists, warranting its cancellation.
Police Petition and Case Background
In a parallel move, the Tamil Nadu police also filed a separate petition seeking the cancellation of bail granted to the accused in this high-profile case. This indicates coordinated legal efforts to ensure the accused face trial without the privilege of bail.
The murder of K Armstrong, who served as the Tamil Nadu state president of the Bahujan Samaj Party, sent shockwaves through the political landscape. He was brutally hacked to death near his residence in 2024, an incident that highlighted political violence in the state.
Following the murder, police filed charges against 29 individuals, including Nagendran (who is now deceased) and his son, Aswathaman. Out of these 29 accused, 27 were subsequently arrested, while two remain absconding, evading law enforcement authorities.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The court's ruling underscores the judiciary's role in balancing bail rights with the seriousness of the crime. By cancelling bail for 12 accused, the Madras High Court has emphasized the gravity of the murder case and the need to ensure the accused are available for trial proceedings.
With the surrender deadline set for March 6, 2024, the accused must now comply with the court's directive or face legal consequences for non-compliance. This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle surrounding Armstrong's murder, as the case continues to unfold in the courts of Tamil Nadu.
