What Led to the 10-Year Sentence of Karukka Vinoth in the TN Raj Bhavan Petrol Bomb Case?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for Karukka Vinoth.
- Incident raises significant security concerns.
- The attack was an act of defiance and mischief.
- The case involved multiple legal frameworks.
- Importance of protecting government establishments highlighted.
Chennai, Nov 12 (NationPress) After two years of deliberation, Karukka Vinoth, a 39-year-old infamous history-sheeter, has received a sentence of 10 years of rigorous imprisonment from a special court handling National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases in Poonamallee for his involvement in the petrol bomb attack on the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan.
The ruling was made by Special Judge Malarvizhi, who also levied a fine of Rs 5,000 on the convict. The incident that led to this sentencing took place on October 25, 2023, when Vinoth launched two petrol-filled bottles at the primary entrance of the Raj Bhavan, resulting in a minor explosion and damage to government property.
This unexpected assault caused panic among the security personnel stationed at the Governor’s residence located in Guindy.
Initially, the Guindy police filed a case citing various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Explosive Substances Act, and the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damages and Loss) Act. However, due to the seriousness of the attack on a high-security area, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs decided to transfer the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
On November 10, 2023, the NIA re-registered the case and designated Inspector R. Sibin Rajmon as the Chief Investigating Officer.
The prosecution revealed that Vinoth had pilfered petrol from a motorcycle parked in SM Nagar, Teynampet, filling it into empty liquor bottles before making his way to the Raj Bhavan.
At approximately 2:40 p.m., he hurled the bottles across the gate, causing a brief explosion. Security personnel quickly responded and tried to detain him, but Vinoth allegedly threatened them and attempted to flee before being apprehended.
Investigations indicated that this act was conducted in a spirit of defiance and mischief, lacking any organizational support.
The NIA presented evidence, including CCTV footage, eyewitness testimonies, and forensic reports, which substantiated Vinoth’s direct involvement in the attack.
In delivering the sentence, Judge Malarvizhi remarked that such assaults on government properties threaten public safety and order, justifying the need for stringent punishment.
This verdict concludes a case that raised significant alarms regarding security measures at one of Chennai’s most fortified locations.