Armstrong murder accused clash inside Chennai’s Puzhal prison

CHENNAI: A violent clash broke out inside Puzhal Central Prison on Friday when two undertrial prisoners, who were arrested in connection with July 2024 murder of BSP former state president Armstrong, attacked each other during lunch hours.

An assistant jailer, who attempted to intervene, suffered injuries.According to prison sources, the incident involved Appu, an undertrial prisoner from Pudur near Sholinghur, and Ponnai Balu, the brother of slain history-sheeter ‘Arcot’ Suresh. Appu attacked Balu inside the prison complex, following which Balu retaliated. Assistant jailer Thirunavukkarasu, who stepped in to pacify the inmates, was pushed down.

He was injured in the incident.Investigations revealed that Appu was earlier involved in preparing country-made bombs to be used during the murder of K Armstrong on July 5, 2024. Police said tensions escalated after Appu confronted Balu, alleging that promises of financial assistance and legal support made to him were not fulfilled.Officials said the altercation was also linked to ongoing rivalry between the Ponnai Balu–Manivannan group and the Pudur Appu group over bail-related issues in the Armstrong murder case.

The argument quickly turned physical before prison guards intervened, separated both groups, and confined them to their respective cells.Assistant jailer Thirunavukkarasu was given first-aid in the prison hospital. Based on a complaint lodged by prison authorities, the Puzhal police registered a case of attempted murder against both Appu and Ponnai Balu.The incident heightened security concerns within the prison, prompting authorities to review internal monitoring and preventive measures to avoid further clashes among rival groups.