The explosion derailed the Rockfort Express, killing 25 people. The TNLA is believed to have several front organizations. The TNLA was, at one time, said to be the most active in the three districts of Cuddalore, Chidambaram and Perambalur. Cuddalore, in fact, has been chronically plagued by caste strife between the Vanniya community of agriculturists and the Dalits, who are socially underprivileged. Some Vanniya leaders have even sought the repeal of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, alleging that it is misused being by the Dalits.
Forests cover the area.
Cashew is the main crop in over 2,000 acres in Perambalur. He was a schoolteacher called Kallyaperumal and was active in the area in the early 1970s. Three people had died while making bombs in his house. Kallyaperumal and his son were taken into custody some time later on a murder charge, albeit not related to the bomb blast. Father and son were sentenced to death, but the government commuted the sentence in 1973.