The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against Vinoth alias Karukka Vinoth, accusing him of hurling petrol bombs at the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan in October 2023. The charge-sheet, filed before an NIA Special Court in Chennai on Friday, details the attack and cites various charges under the Indian Penal Code, Explosive Substances Act, and Tamil Nadu Property (Prevention of Damages and Loss) Act.
The incident
On October 25, 2023, Vinoth allegedly threw two petrol bombs in quick succession at the Raj Bhavan’s Gate 1 in Chennai. The NIA’s press release states that the bombs exploded, causing damage to government property at the gate. This, the agency claims, was the fourth instance of Vinoth targeting government establishments with petrol bombs.
Prior offenses
The NIA report highlights Vinoth’s alleged involvement in similar attacks on other government establishments in Chennai. These include a TASMAC outlet, the Teynampet Police Station, and the BJP Tamil Nadu State Head Office.
Details of the Raj Bhavan attack
According to the NIA, Vinoth, with the intention of “overawing the constitutional authority of the state governor,” stole petrol from a motorbike in SM Nagar. He then gathered empty liquor bottles, filled them with petrol, and walked from Teynampet to Raj Bhavan. Around 2.40 pm, he allegedly hurled two petrol bombs at the gate. On-duty police personnel rushed to apprehend him, but Vinoth reportedly threatened them, obstructing their duty. Based on a police report, a case was initially registered at Guindy police station before being transferred to the NIA.
(Inputs from ANI)