Madras High Court Slams Police for 'Miserable Failure,' Demands CBI Take Over Armstrong Murder Probe

The hallowed halls of justice echoed with a scathing condemnation recently, as the Madras High Court delivered a powerful indictment against the local police, branding their investigation into the murder of advocate K. Armstrong as a 'miserable failure.' In a landmark decision, the court has stripped the Kancheepuram District police of the case, entrusting the sensitive probe to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), underscoring a profound lack of faith in the original investigative efforts.

The tragic saga began on October 25, 2021, when K.

Armstrong, a respected advocate known for his involvement in social issues, was found dead. What initially seemed like a suspicious death was later reclassified as a murder. However, the subsequent actions of the Kancheepuram police drew severe criticism. Despite the grave nature of the crime, the police inexplicably closed the murder case as 'undetected,' a move that baffled and outraged the victim's family, especially his wife, K.

Amudha, who tirelessly sought justice through the legal system.

Justice K. Rajasekar, presiding over the case, did not mince words. The court's observations painted a grim picture of negligence and incompetence. It was highlighted that the police failed to register a proper First Information Report (FIR) for the murder, instead opting for a vague 'suspicious death' report.

This fundamental lapse set the tone for a series of errors that allowed crucial evidence to vanish and perpetrators to evade scrutiny. The court pointed out that vital information, such as the registration number of the vehicle used by the assailants, which was allegedly noted by onlookers, was ignored.

Further compounding the police's blunders, the court noted that Armstrong had been receiving death threats prior to his demise, a critical piece of information that investigators chose to overlook.

His active participation in social causes and legal battles, which could have provided strong motives for the crime, was also reportedly brushed aside. The judgment underscored that police inaction created a vacuum, allowing the perpetrators ample time to destroy evidence and cover their tracks, effectively sabotaging any chance of a fair and thorough investigation.

In a decisive move to salvage the integrity of the justice system, Justice Rajasekar mandated the CBI to register a fresh FIR and launch a comprehensive, unbiased investigation into the advocate's murder.

Beyond just transferring the case, the court also issued a stern directive to the Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, to initiate appropriate disciplinary action against the police officials whose 'miserable failure' led to the present predicament. This ruling serves as a stark reminder of the judiciary's role in upholding the rights of citizens, especially the right to a fair and transparent investigation, ensuring that justice is not merely delayed but also not denied by procedural negligence.