Three people have been arrested in connection with the alleged petrol bomb attack on a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Ranchi, reported the PTI.
Police are investigating possible links between the accused and terror organisations, including suspected connections with Pakistan-based networks.
One of the accused was injured during a brief exchange of fire with police after attempting to escape from custody, officials said.
The incident came to light after the RSS alleged that petrol bombs were thrown at its office in the Nivaranpur area of Ranchi during the early hours of Wednesday, as per the PTI.
Following the complaint, police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the case and identify those responsible.
During the investigation, officers recovered broken glass bottle fragments from the site. Forensic experts and bomb disposal teams were also deployed to examine the area.
Arrests made in Ranchi and Lohardaga
According to police, two suspects were arrested in Lohardaga district late on Wednesday. Authorities also seized a car allegedly used in the incident.
A third accused was arrested on June 18, taking the total number of arrests to three.
Police identified one of the accused as Saif Ansari, also known as Rohit.
Ranchi Superintendent of Police Paras Rana said Saif Ansari escaped from Ranchi’s Kotwali police station during questioning.
According to police, he requested permission to use the washroom and then fled after breaking a window. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage and discovered that he had boarded a bus after escaping.
Police subsequently alerted nearby stations and circulated his photograph, leading to a search operation.
Gunfight during recapture
The accused was eventually traced near a toll plaza in the Chanho area.
Police said that while being transported back into custody, he allegedly snatched a weapon from an officer and fired two to three rounds.
Security personnel returned fire, injuring him in one leg. He was later taken to a hospital in Ranchi for treatment.
Ranchi City Deputy Superintendent of Police K V Raman said investigators are examining whether the accused have links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) or other extremist organisations.
He stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that more information would be shared once inquiries are completed.
Police also clarified that no improvised explosive device (IED) or other explosive material was recovered from the scene. Preliminary findings suggest that the bottles used in the attack contained petrol.
Political reactions
Senior BJP leader and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das condemned the attack and described it as a serious incident targeting the RSS.
After visiting the RSS office, Das criticised the state’s law and order situation and said he had spoken with the Director General of Police regarding the matter.
He also accused the ruling government of failing to curb extremist elements, allegations that are likely to intensify political debate in the state as the investigation continues.
Investigation underway
Police officials said the interrogation of the accused is ongoing and that efforts are focused on establishing the motive behind the attack, identifying any wider network involved, and verifying the suspected terror links.
Further arrests have not been ruled out as the investigation progresses.
(with PTI inputs)
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