The Madras High Court convened to hear the plea from K Porkodi, wife of the slain Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Tamil Nadu Chief K Armstrong, requesting permission to bury his body at the party office in Chennai.
Armstrong was fatally attacked by unidentified assailants near his Chennai residence on Friday evening.
Justice V Bhavani Subbarayan of the Madras High Court pointed out that the proposed burial site at the party office was a thoroughfare. Concerned about its residential surroundings, the judge asked if an alternative location was available for the burial.
The petitioner’s lawyer requested time until 1 p.m. to propose an alternative, but as no alternative was provided, the hearing was adjourned until 2:15 p.m.
K Porkodi had filed a written plea seeking court approval for the burial at the BSP office in Chennai. However, objections were raised by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, citing the residential nature of the area.
Currently, K Armstrong’s body lies in state at the Corporation School Ground in Chennai for public homage. Earlier today, BSP leader Mayawati and national coordinator Akash Anand paid respects to him.
Mayawati also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the case, criticizing the state government for failing to ensure swift justice and safety for the weaker sections of society.
Police have arrested eight suspects in connection with Armstrong’s assassination and are investigating the case from various angles.
