T.N. Raj Bhavan petrol bomb attack case: Accused ‘Karukka’ Vinoth sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment

The Special Court for National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases in Poonamallee convicted Vinoth alias ‘Karukka’ Vinoth (39) for his involvement in the petrol bomb attack on Raj Bhavan Gate-I in Chennai in October 2023, and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.

The case stems from a violent incident in which the accused hurled two petrol bombs at the premises of Raj Bhavan Gate-I on October 25 two years ago, resulting in an explosion and damage to government property. Following a special report filed by head constable Mohan of the Guindy police station, a case was initially registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Explosive Substances Act, and the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act.

Given the gravity of the offence, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs transferred the investigation to the NIA. The case was subsequently re-registered on November 10, 2023, and Inspector R. Sibin Rajmon was appointed as the Chief Investigating Officer (CIO) to lead the probe.

Why did he attack?

In January 2024, the NIA filed a chargesheet against ‘Karukka’ Vinoth for hurling petrol bombs in front of Raj Bhavan. The 39-year-old history-sheeter had allegedly carried out the attack after being irked that Governor R.N. Ravi did not assent to his premature release from jail. The Governor’s alleged refusal to release Muslim prisoners is also said to have motivated the act.

‘Karukka’ Vinoth being escorted by the police. File
| Photo Credit:
B. Velankanni Raj

The accused, intending to overawe the constitutional authority of the State Governor, had stolen petrol from a motorcycle in S.M. Nagar, collected empty liquor bottles, filled them with petrol, walked from Teynampet to Raj Bhavan, and hurled two petrol bombs at the gate around 2.40 p.m. On-duty police personnel immediately rushed to restrain him, but the accused allegedly threatened them and deterred them from discharging their duties, the NIA said.

Charges

He was charged under Sections 124 (assaulting President, Governor, etc., with intent to compel or restrain the exercise of any lawful power), 379 (theft), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc.), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), and 506(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1908, and Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992.

Special Public Prosecutor N. Baskaran said that during the trial, the prosecution examined 17 witnesses and submitted 57 exhibits and 10 material objects. The defence did not present any witnesses or exhibits.

After hearing arguments from both sides and at the conclusion of the trial, NIA Special Judge Malarvizhi found Vinoth guilty and sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of ₹5,000, and in default of payment, he will have to undergo an additional six months of simple imprisonment.