Armstrong murder case accused ‘Seizing’ Raja shot dead by police on ECR in Chennai

‘Seizing’ Raja alias N. Raja, who had had more than 30 criminal cases against him, was also wanted in the murder of BSP leader Armstrong

History-sheeter ‘Seizing’ Raja was shot dead by the police in Akkarai on the East Coast Road in Chennai in the early hours of Monday (September 23, 2024) as he allegedly attempted to attack the police team, said sources.   

‘Seizing’ Raja alias N. Raja, was wanted in the murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader K. Armstrong.

Posters were also pasted in a few places outside the city by the Tambaram police Commissionerate since he was declared a proclaimed offender by a Chengalpattu court. The police learnt that he was in a hideout in Andhra Pradesh and went there to bring him back to the city for further interrogation and remand.

He had been taken to Akkarai to recover weapons used in the crime, when he suddenly whipped out a country-made revolver and shot at the police, according to sources. In self-defence, they reportedly had to open fire at Raja. No one else was injured in the incident, sources added.

Police sources said Raja had more than 30 criminal cases for offences including five murders and attempts to murder. He had been detained under the Goondas Act five times. As he attempted to attack the police in Akkarai, the team opened fire at him, the preliminary report said. 

This is the third incident of a history-sheeter being gunned down by police in a row since July within the city limits.

On 14 July, K. Thiruvenkadam, 33, a history-sheeter, one of the suspects who were arrested for the murder of BSP leader Armstrong who was killed under the Puzhal Police station limits. 

On Wednesday (September 18, 2024) morning, history-sheeter ‘Kakkathoppu’ Balaji was gunned down by the police at a secluded place in Vyasarpadi.

Published - September 23, 2024 08:46 am IST