Madras High Court Revokes Bail for 12 Accused in BSP State President Murder Case
In a significant legal development, the Madras High Court has cancelled the bail granted to 12 individuals accused in the murder case of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) state president K Armstrong. The court has issued a directive for the accused to surrender before a judicial magistrate court on or before March 6, 2025.
Court Order Issued in Response to Petitions from Wife and Police
Justice K Rajasekar delivered the order while allowing a plea filed by Armstrong's wife, Porkodi, who sought the cancellation of bail granted to 14 accused in connection with her husband's murder. Simultaneously, the Tamil Nadu police filed a separate petition requesting the cancellation of bail for the accused in this high-profile case.
According to Porkodi's submission, the sessions court had initially granted bail to the accused solely based on the grounds that the investigation was transferred from the Tamil Nadu police to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). However, following the Supreme Court's stay on the CBI probe, she urged the high court to reconsider and cancel the bail.
Police Arguments Highlight Investigation Risks
The police presented compelling arguments during the hearing, emphasizing that the release of the accused could severely hinder the ongoing investigation. They expressed concerns that the accused might potentially influence witnesses, thereby compromising the integrity of the case. The Sembium police, who are actively investigating the murder, approached the high court after a lower court granted bail to the suspects.
The legal team representing the police presented substantial evidence during the hearing to demonstrate the necessity of continued custodial oversight. The bench, after carefully considering the gravity of the crime and the current status of the investigation, concurred with the prosecution's concerns regarding public safety and judicial process integrity.
List of Accused Ordered to Surrender
Among those whose bail was cancelled is Aswathaman, identified as the third accused in the First Information Report (FIR). The other 11 accused ordered to surrender include:
- Pradeep
- Hariharan
- Sathishkumar
- Siva
- Puthur Appu
- Mugilan
- Vijayakumar alias Noor
- Vignesh
- Rajesh
- Gopi
- Kumara alias Senthilkumar
The court has mandated that all accused must report to the judicial magistrate court within the stipulated deadline to be formally remanded to judicial custody. This decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring that serious criminal cases proceed without interference, particularly when involving high-profile political figures.
The murder of BSP state president K Armstrong has drawn significant public and media attention across Tamil Nadu, with this latest court order marking a crucial turn in the legal proceedings. The case continues to unfold as authorities pursue justice for the slain political leader.
