Shakeup In Chennai Police: Commissioner Transferred Amidst Controversy Over BSP Leader's Murder

In response to the murder of TN BSP Chief K Armstrong, the Tamil Nadu government has replaced Chennai's Police Commissioner Sandeep Rai Rathore with A Arun.

The Tamil Nadu government has transferred Greater Chennai Commissioner of Police Sandeep Rai Rathore, following the recent murder of Tamil Nadu Bahujan Samaj Party Chief K Armstrong.

Senior IPS officer A Arun will replace Rathore as the new Commissioner of Police.

According to an order issued by the home department's secretary P Amudha, A Arun, currently the additional director general of Police (ADGP Law and Order, will now serve as ADGP/commissioner of police, Greater Chennai. This change involves downgrading Rathore's post, as reported by Hindustan Times.
Rathore will be appointed as DGP at the Police Training College in Chennai, a position currently held by Rajeev Kumar, IPS.

Leadership Changes Amid Controversy

Senior IPS officer Davidson Devasirvatham will take over as ADGP of Law and Order from Arun. The home department is led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. Rathore's statement about a reduction in murder cases in Chennai compared to the previous year had sparked controversy.

Armstrong was brutally killed on Friday by six men disguised as his supporters, as per a Hindustan Times report. The attackers fled on motorcycles after committing the crime. So far, police have arrested eleven men in connection with the murder.

Officials suspect it might be a revenge killing linked to gangster Arcot Suresh's death a year ago, allegedly ordered by Armstrong.

Calls for CBI Investigation

BSP chief Mayawati visited Chennai to pay her respects to Armstrong and demanded a CBI investigation into his murder. She claimed that the real culprits had not been apprehended by Tamil Nadu police. "I urge the state government, especially the CM, to ensure law and order in the state. The weaker sections, in particular, should feel safe. Had the government been serious, the accused would have been arrested. Since that is not the case, we urge the state government to refer the case to the CBI," she said, as reported.

Opposition parties like AIADMK and BJP have criticised the ruling DMK for failing to maintain law and order in Tamil Nadu. BJP's Tamilisai Soundararajan commented on Armstrong's killing by saying, "Dravidian model a murder model now…". The Madras High Court also denied permission for Armstrong's burial at the BSP office in Chennai, as per media reports.

The transfer of Sandeep Rai Rathore comes amid these tensions and criticisms from various political entities regarding law enforcement's effectiveness in handling such high-profile cases. The situation remains tense as investigations continue into Armstrong’s murder and political leaders call for more stringent measures to ensure safety and justice.