Tamil Nadu BSP leader's murder possibly linked to gold loan scam, police say

Following the murder of Tamil Nadu BSP president K Armstrong, Chennai police are investigating potential links to the Aarudhra gold loan scheme scam.

Authorities suspect the killing might be connected to a rivalry between Armstrong and Arcot Suresh, allegedly a representative of the promoters who was killed on August 18, 2023. Armstrong was known to be associated with major investors in the scheme.

Ponnai Balu, Suresh’s brother, is among the eight suspects detained for Armstrong's murder. Balu believed Armstrong was responsible for Suresh’s death, police said.

Investigators disclosed that Balu's group had planned to kill Armstrong either on July 5, Suresh's birthday, or on August 18, the anniversary of Suresh’s murder.

Police Commissioner Sandeep Rai Rathore said, "We are reexamining Suresh's murder to determine if Armstrong had any involvement in it."