Two Years After Raj Bhavan Attack, Convict Gets 10-Year Jail Term
A special court handling National Investigation Agency (NIA) cases in Poonamallee has delivered a significant verdict, sentencing 39-year-old history-sheeter Karukka Vinoth to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for attacking the Raj Bhavan gate with petrol-filled bottles two years ago.
The Fateful October Day: Sequence of Events
The incident that shook the state capital occurred on October 25, 2023, when Vinoth executed a daring attack on the Governor's official residence. According to investigation findings, the convict stole petrol from a motorcycle parked in SM Nagar, Teynampet, and carefully filled empty liquor bottles with the flammable liquid.
In a calculated move, Vinoth walked all the way from Teynampet to Raj Bhavan carrying the makeshift explosives. At approximately 2:40 PM, he launched his attack by hurling two petrol-filled bottles onto the Raj Bhavan premises. The assault resulted in an explosion that caused significant damage to government property.
When police personnel stationed at the location attempted to apprehend him, Vinoth threatened them with violence and made attempts to escape from the scene.
From Local Police to NIA: The Investigation Journey
Initially, the Guindy police registered a case under multiple legal provisions including the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Explosive Substances Act, and the Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damages and Loss) Act based on their special report.
Recognizing the gravity of the crime that targeted a high-security constitutional establishment, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs intervened and transferred the investigation to the National Investigation Agency. The central agency officially re-registered the case on November 10, 2023.
Inspector R Sibin Rajmon was appointed as the Chief Investigating Officer (CIO) to lead the probe, which ultimately uncovered the meticulous planning behind the attack.
Court Delivers Justice After Two Years
After examining all evidence and witness testimonies, Special Judge Malarvizhi found Karukka Vinoth guilty of all major charges. The court not only imposed the 10-year rigorous imprisonment but also levied a fine of ₹5,000 on the convict.
The verdict comes as a strong message against attacks on vital government installations and demonstrates the effectiveness of specialized agencies like NIA in handling sensitive security cases.
