In a development that added emotional weight to an already sensitive case, the Supreme Court on Monday heard an intervention plea filed by Porkodi, the wife of murdered BSP leader and Dalit activist Armstrong. She came forward supporting the ongoing CBI probe into her husband’s killing, expressing deep distrust in the original investigation conducted by the Tamil Nadu Police.
Background
Armstrong was brutally hacked to death outside his Perambur residence in Chennai on July 5, 2024. The incident had sparked widespread shock across Tamil Nadu and among Dalit rights groups, many describing the killing as a targeted and politically linked act.
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Earlier, the Madras High Court had quashed the chargesheet filed by the State Police, citing clear procedural lapses and contradictions, and transferred the case to the CBI. The Tamil Nadu government challenged that order in the Supreme Court. On October 10, the apex court temporarily stayed the quashing of the chargesheet but did not stop the CBI from continuing its investigation.
Court’s Observations
During the hearing, Porkodi’s counsel emphasized that the crime was not just a local law-and-order incident, but one that, in her words, strikes at “national conscience.”
Her plea requested that the CBI investigation be monitored by a Supervisory Committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, similar to the arrangement adopted in the Karur stampede case. She argued that several key facts were “deliberately omitted” in the police chargesheet.
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The bench appeared attentive to these submissions. At one point, a judge remarked, “If the High Court found prima facie deficiencies in the investigation, it is necessary for this Court to examine whether the probe was actually compromised.” The observation seemed to reflect the court’s cautious approach, without leaning entirely to one side.
Porkodi also urged the court to ensure witness protection under the 2018 Witness Protection Scheme. She stated that many individuals connected to the case were “fearful and vulnerable,” and might hesitate to speak openly unless proper safeguards were in place.
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Decision
The Supreme Court did not conclude the matter on Monday and has reserved further hearing. However, the CBI probe will continue as it stands, and the bench indicated that it will examine whether additional supervisory measures are necessary before arriving at a final direction.
The case will now return for the next scheduled hearing.
Case Title: Commissioner of Police vs. K. Immanuvel @ Keynos Armstrong & Another
Case Type: Special Leave Petition (Criminal).
Court: Supreme Court of India.
Matter Origin: Appeal against a Madras High Court order.
