Ranchi: An unfortunate and alarming incident has come to light from Ranchi, Jharkhand, where unidentified anti-social elements allegedly attempted to attack the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) state office at Nivaranpur using petrol-filled bottles late at night on June 16. The attempt, however, failed and no damage was caused to the office premises. Following the incident, security agencies have been placed on high alert across the city.
According to Ranchi Police, two unidentified youths arrived late at night and allegedly attempted to carry out the act. The accused reportedly filled sauce bottles with petrol and tried to use them as improvised petrol bombs by throwing them into the RSS office premises.
Fortunately, both bottles failed to cross the high boundary wall of the RSS office and fell outside the premises. As a result, no major explosion or fire occurred, averting a potentially serious incident.
As soon as information about the incident was received, senior police and administrative officials rushed to the spot and the entire Nivaranpur area was secured. Ranchi Police stated that, considering the sensitivity of the matter, multiple specialised investigation teams have been deployed to identify and apprehend the accused. Security around the RSS office has also been strengthened. Police have appealed to citizens to maintain peace and avoid paying attention to rumours.
The incident has also triggered political reactions in Jharkhand. Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised concerns over the law-and-order situation in the state and termed the incident a serious conspiracy.
Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, criticised the police administration and highlighted the seriousness of the incident. He said, “At around 12:36 a.m., two youths arrived twice. They allegedly hurled a petrol bomb, which exploded, and then attempted another attack before fleeing. This is an extremely serious matter. An attack on an RSS office indicates preparations for a much larger untoward incident in the state. We have demanded the immediate arrest of the attackers.”
Reacting sharply to the incident, Union Minister Sanjay Seth said that such an act in the middle of the city pointed towards a larger network. He stated, “A petrol bomb attack was carried out on the RSS office, of which one exploded while another did not. Around midnight, when people are generally still awake, carrying out such an act in the heart of the city points towards a larger conspiracy. I have spoken directly with the Director General of Police and the Deputy Commissioner regarding the matter. It appears to be an attempt to disturb peace in Ranchi and the state. The police must investigate how far the conspiracy extends and what the motives behind it were.”
Police investigations are currently underway to identify the accused and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
