Filmmaker Pa Ranjith has criticised the DMK government over the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party's Tamil Nadu chief K Armstrong, questioning the law and order situation in the state.
Pa Ranjith was close to Armstrong from their childhood days and referred to him as a brother. Both Armstrong and Pa Ranjith were associated with the Ambedkarite movement.
In a thread on X, Pa Ranjith said, "The murder of Armstrong took place very close to the Sembiam police station. From this, we can understand how much the killers fear about law and order in Tamil Nadu. What steps are you going to take in order to restore law and order and ensure that such incidents don’t happen in the future?" he said in a post on X.
While explaining how losing Armstrong came as one of the biggest setbacks in his life, Pa Ranjith said, "Burying Armstrong’s mortal remains in Perambur in his residence-cum-office was deliberately prevented. After the end of a two-day drama, we were forced to bury him in a village outside Chennai. Even though the DMK government had the power, it did a huge act of deceit by not allowing to bury his body in Permabur where he lived. Do you really care about the Dalit leaders and Dalit people?"
"One of the reasons why DMK came to power is because the Dalits voted substantially for them. Aren’t you aware that Dalits support your government? Or are you being indifferent despite knowing this? I also voted to bring you to power. That’s why I ask these questions. Is social justice only for votes?" he added.
Pa Ranjith also accused the police of trying to close the case by labelling the murder as 'revenge killing'.
"The police have said that Armstrong was murdered to avenge the murder of Arcot Suresh based on the confessions of the people who surrendered. The police are only interested in closing the case based on what these surrendered men have said. Who planned this? Who instructed them to do this? What does the police have to say on the involvement of Arudhra gold scam angle in this? Has the police department come to the conclusion that there is no other background for this murder?" the director asked
"Many on social media and media, not knowing how to deal with the law and order problem that arose due to the murder of Armstrong, tried to paint him as a rowdy, someone who does katta panchayat and as someone with a criminal background. Who is behind spreading all this?" he added.
K Armstrong, 52, was hacked to death by some unidentified people outside his home in Perambur area. The CCTV footage of the incident showed that four of the assailants were dressed as food delivery agents.
The police have arrested eight people in connection with the murder.
