Puducherry: Petrol bomb attack on shop after refusal to pay extortion

A man identified as Vinoth launched a petrol bomb attack on a rice shop in Villianur Market, Puducherry, after the owners refused to pay extortion money.

Babu and his brother Rajendran, who operate Babu Traders, reported that Vinoth demanded protection money for their shop and other businesses in the area. When the brothers refused and threatened to contact the police, Vinoth allegedly claimed that even high-ranking officials would fear him.

Vinoth returned later that evening and threw three petrol bombs into the shop. While the owners and a family member narrowly escaped injury, several sacks of rice and other goods were destroyed by fire. Local residents assisted in extinguishing the flames, and Villianur police have initiated an investigation into the incident.