Madras High Court Raises Alarm Over Security Breaches
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Synopsis
The Madras High Court has expressed significant concerns about security issues within its premises following allegations of country-made bombs being smuggled into court. This alarming situation came to light during proceedings regarding the murder of K. Armstrong, the State BSP President.
Key Takeaways
- Serious security lapses reported in Madras High Court.
- CCTV footage indicates bomb smuggling into court.
- Six advocates suspended by the Bar Council.
- Justice Subramaniam raised concerns about potential casualties.
- Further deliberations scheduled to enhance security measures.
Chennai, Jan 27 (NationPress) The Madras High Court has raised significant concerns regarding security breaches within its premises following a report from the Additional Advocate General (AAG), P. Kumaresan, about allegations that country-made bombs were smuggled into the court and handed to defendants involved in the murder of State Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) President, K. Armstrong.
The AAG presented CCTV footage that captured individuals transporting bombs hidden in lunch bags.
The Bar Council has suspended six advocates connected to this incident.
A division bench led by Justices S.M. Subramaniam and N. Jothiraman was reviewing a series of petitions aimed at quashing the application of the Goonda Act against the defendants in Armstrong's murder case.
Throughout the proceedings, the bench expressed worries over the ramifications of this event.
Justice Subramaniam stated, "What if the bombs had detonated in the courtroom? How many lives would have been lost? What if the explosion had damaged the statue of B.R. Ambedkar?"
The court has sought insights from relevant parties, including advocate associations, law enforcement, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), to enhance security protocols at the court facility.
Moreover, the court urged advocates to comply with security inspections, stressing the importance of awareness and caution.
However, the petitioners' counsel contested the allegations, claiming that the investigation lacked substantial evidence to support the claims.
The bench has set a date for January 29 to discuss the matter further and work towards a comprehensive security strategy.
K. Armstrong, a lawyer and the State BSP President, was brutally murdered on July 5, 2024, outside his house under construction in Perambur, near Chennai.
An eight-member gang, led by Ponnai Balu, who is the sibling of deceased gangster Arcot Suresh, surrendered that same evening, admitting that the murder was revenge for Suresh's death, which they alleged Armstrong had masterminded.
Investigations by a special team led by Chennai Police Commissioner M. Arun uncovered that three gangs had coordinated to execute the murder.
Ultimately, Armstrong was killed by Balu and his gang members.
Further investigations revealed that gangster Nagendran, who has been incarcerated for 26 years, along with another gangster, Sambhav Senthil, financed and planned the murder.
Nagendran reportedly held a grudge against Armstrong, blaming him for hindering his son Ashwathaman's political ambitions.
Ashwathaman, who is a lawyer and a state office-bearer of the Tamil Nadu Youth Congress, has since been expelled from the party.
Sambhav Senthil allegedly had conflicts with Armstrong regarding real estate transactions.
In total, 27 individuals have been detained in connection with the murder of the State BSP President.
Of these, 23, including Ponnai Balu and Ashwathaman, are currently in Puzhal Central Prison. However, Sambhav Senthil and two accomplices, Krishna Kumar and Appu, remain at large.
