Chennai police have questioned Inspector Buhari, who was arrested for allegedly extorting Rs 45 lakh from a businessman by threatening to implicate him in the Armstrong murder case. Officials said he was asked more than 100 questions during the interrogation.
Armstrong, 52, who served as the Tamil Nadu state president of the Bahujan Samaj Party, was murdered on July 5, 2024, in Perambur, Chennai. Buhari, 43, was part of the Special Investigation Team probing the case.
According to police, the extortion complaint was filed by businessman Akhilkumar, who alleged that Buhari threatened to add him as an accused in the murder case unless he paid money. Following the complaint, the Yanai Kavanai police arrested Buhari, who was then serving as an inspector at Parangimalai.
Authorities have taken him into custody for three days and are continuing the inquiry. During questioning, officers sought details on how many people may have been similarly targeted in the name of the Armstrong case.
Buhari reportedly told investigators that he had been on friendly terms with Akhilkumar and that there were financial dealings between them. When asked why he requested Akhilkumar to arrange the purchase of a house, he allegedly gave evasive answers.
