India, Sept. 25 -- The Madras High Court on Wednesday handed over the investigation into the brutal murder of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) State president K. Armstrong to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), citing "glaring lapses" and "procedural failures" in the probe so far.

Justice P. Velmurugan, pronouncing the order, said the case was "a classic example of how investigative flaws can derail justice," and rejected the state's claim that the Chennai police had conducted a comprehensive investigation. The court was hearing a petition filed by Armstrong's brother, K. Immanuvel, who had alleged that crucial witnesses were ignored, evidence mishandled, and the probe compromised under political influence.

"The State police have failed...