RANCHI: A quiet night in Ranchi turned into a major security concern when the Jharkhand Provincial Office of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Nivaranpur came under a petrol bomb attack shortly after midnight on June 16. What initially appeared to be an act of vandalism soon evolved into a high-profile investigation involving multiple security agencies, dramatic arrests, an escape from police custody, an encounter, and finally the transfer of the case to the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
According to investigators, the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. when two young men arrived near the RSS office on a motorcycle carrying bottles filled with petrol. Police said one of the suspects ignited a bottle and hurled it toward the office premises, while the other recorded the entire act on a mobile phone.
The first attempt reportedly failed to cause significant damage. However, the suspects returned within minutes and launched a second attack. One petrol bomb landed on the roof of the building, while another exploded near the boundary wall. Flames briefly erupted, but a major tragedy was narrowly averted.
Police teams rushed to the scene soon after receiving information about the attack. The area was cordoned off, and forensic experts were called in. Officers collected remnants of the bottles, traces of inflammable substances, and other evidence from the site. Simultaneously, investigators began examining CCTV footage from the RSS office and nearby locations.
The investigation took a crucial turn when CCTV footage revealed that while one suspect carried out the attack, the other was filming the incident. Investigators viewed this as a significant clue, raising questions about why the attack was being documented and whether the footage was intended for wider circulation.
The incident triggered strong reactions across political and social circles. Several leaders, including former Jharkhand Chief Minister Babulal Marandi and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, visited the site and demanded swift action against those responsible. They described the attack as a serious matter requiring a thorough investigation.
Given the sensitivity of the case, Ranchi Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Using technical surveillance, mobile location tracking, call detail records, CCTV analysis, and intelligence inputs, investigators gradually traced the suspects to Lohardaga district.
Police subsequently identified three accused persons as Saif Ansari alias Rohit, Aman Ansari alias Golu, and Saiyam Sujan.
Investigators later received information suggesting that the suspects were planning to flee to Delhi. Security agencies intensified monitoring at railway stations and transit routes. Two accused were arrested near Gajhandi Railway Station in Koderma, while the third was apprehended in Ranchi. Police also seized the motorcycle allegedly used in the attack, mobile phones, and other electronic devices believed to be linked to the case.
The investigation took another dramatic turn when the principal accused, Saif Ansari, allegedly escaped from police custody. According to police officials, he sought permission to use the restroom and managed to flee through a window.
The escape triggered a massive manhunt. Special teams were deployed across Ranchi and adjoining areas, while checkpoints and search operations were intensified.
A few hours later, police reportedly tracked the accused to the Mandar-Chanho region. Officers claim that during the operation, the suspect attempted to evade arrest and tried to snatch a weapon. In the ensuing action, he sustained a bullet injury to his leg and was recaptured. He was later admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, the legal and investigative dimensions of the case continued to expand. Police invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Explosive Substances Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), indicating the seriousness with which authorities were viewing the incident.
As more digital and technical evidence emerged, investigators began exploring whether the attack was merely a localized conspiracy or part of a broader network.
Following key findings during the SIT investigation, the Jharkhand government and police headquarters decided to hand over the case to the Jharkhand Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
The ATS is now examining mobile data, social media activities, banking transactions, call records, and possible links connected to the accused. Investigators are working to determine whether the attack was an isolated act or had connections extending beyond the immediate suspects.
The investigation remains ongoing, and several crucial questions remain unanswered. What was the precise motive behind the attack? Why was the incident being filmed? Was there a larger mastermind behind the operation? Could more individuals be involved?
The answers to these questions are expected to emerge as the ATS continues its probe and further evidence comes to light in the days ahead.
