Thugs who elude police can only be stopped by shooting, Tennessee attorney general says

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Law Minister S. Reghupathy said on Monday that “thugs who escape from the police can only be stopped by a gunshot.” He was referring to the death of Thiruvengadam, a suspect in Armstrong’s murder, in an “encounter” early on Sunday.

The law minister also questioned state BJP chief K Annamalai, who had expressed doubts over the nature of the man’s death. “Who does Annamalai suspect in the Armstrong murder case? If he gives us the details, we are ready to investigate,” the minister said, speaking to the media.

He added that those arrested for the murder of Tamil Nadu BSP chief K. Armstrong were indeed the real culprits.

K Thiruvengadam (33) was one of the 11 suspects arrested after TN BSP chief K Armstrong was assassinated by a six-member gang outside his under-construction house in Perambur on July 5.

On Sunday morning, when the journalist was being taken near a lake in Madhavaram where the weapons used in Armstrong’s murder were hidden, he allegedly attacked a policeman and tried to flee. The police allegedly shot him in self-defence. The accused was rushed to a government hospital where he was declared brought dead.