RANIPET: An 18-year-old boy, allegedly involved in the petrol bomb attack on the SIPCOT police station in Ranipet was shot in the left leg by the police on Monday evening after he tried to attack a sub-inspector.
According to police sources, the suspect was being escorted from Chennai to Ranipet when the incident occurred near Kaveripakkam. During the journey, he allegedly attacked SI Muthieswaran with a concealed knife in his left hand.
In response, Inspector Sasikumar fired at the suspect, injuring him in the left knee. Both the suspect and SI Muthieswaran were initially admitted to Walajah Government Hospital in Ranipet, with the suspect later being transferred to Vellore Government Medical College and Hospital for further treatment.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the petrol bomb attack on the SIPCOT police station is ongoing. Police sources revealed that three unidentified men arrived at the police station around midnight on Sunday, threw petrol-filled bottles inside the premises, and fled the scene on a two-wheeler. Although no major damage occurred, CCTV footage from the station entrance showed soot marks on the walls.
Ranipet District Superintendent of Police, Vivekananda Shukla, has ordered the formation of special teams, led by an officer of the Additional Superintendent of Police (ADSP) rank, to track down the suspects. Sources also indicated that the boy’s father, a history-sheeter from Ranipet, is also involved in the attack.
A press release from Ranipet police administration stated, “ A rice market and the SIPCOT police station premises in Ranipet district were attacked by unidentified individuals around 11 pm on Sunday, with petrol-filled bottles and paper wicks. In response to the incident, two separate cases were registered, and an investigation was launched based on complaints filed by the rice market owner and the on-duty policeman at the SIPCOT police station. Following instructions from the District Superintendent of Police, seven special teams were formed to track down the culprits.
The main suspect in the case was taken into custody on Monday. During the initial phase of interrogation, the suspect revealed that the attack was carried out as an act of revenge for the registration of cases against his father, himself, and his associates. Authorities are continuing their efforts to apprehend the remaining culprits involved in the attack. Further legal actions are underway.”
In response to the attack, AIADMK General Secretary and Opposition Leader Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the state government’s handling of law and order. “Is this the model government where law and order are upheld?” he questioned in a statement on the social media platform X. “When even a senior ADGP claims that his office was set on fire with intent to kill, and now a police station is targeted, what does this indicate?”
Palaniswami condemned the attack, saying, “It is alarming that even police stations are no longer safe. I strongly condemn the state government for allowing law and order to deteriorate to such an extent. The Stalin-led DMK government must act immediately to arrest the culprits and ensure strict legal action.”
Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam General Secretary TTV Dhinakaran also mentioned that the recent petrol bomb attack on the Ranipet SIPCOT police station is shocking and highlights the DMK government’s failure in ensuring the safety of police personnel.