Ranchi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on July 8 conducted coordinated searches at 20 locations across multiple states as part of its investigation into the petrol bomb attack on a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The nationwide operation is aimed at uncovering the wider conspiracy behind the attack and identifying individuals involved in planning, funding and providing logistical support.
According to officials, the searches were carried out at five locations in Uttar Pradesh, three in Maharashtra, two in Delhi, and one each in Bihar, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana and West Bengal. During the raids, NIA teams seized digital devices, documents and other materials that are expected to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The searches follow the arrest of three accused, Saif Ansari, Aman Ansari and Sayam Sujan, in connection with the June 16 petrol bomb attack on the RSS office in Ranchi. Investigators have linked the trio to the ISI-funded Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH), alleging they were radicalised while in Dubai.
According to officials, Saif Ansari and Aman Ansari travelled to Dubai, where they came into contact with Shahbaz Rana alias Bhatti, a Pakistani national. During their stay, they were allegedly radicalised and recruited to promote TTH’s anti-India activities.
Investigators said the accused remained in regular contact with their handlers through the Botim app, widely used in the UAE, as well as WhatsApp. After carrying out the attack, they allegedly recorded the incident on their mobile phones and sent the footage to their handler.
Earlier, Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Rakesh Ranjan said the suspects were identified and tracked using technical evidence, including a Rapido cab allegedly used during the attack. Acting on the leads, Ranchi Police, with assistance from the Bokaro and Koderma police, arrested the accused while they were attempting to flee.
“On June 16, unknown assailants hurled a petrol bomb at the RSS office in Nivaranpur. Although no damage was caused, the incident was treated with utmost seriousness. Technical evidence led us to a Rapido cab used by the accused, enabling us to trace and arrest them,” the SSP had said.
Ranjan added that preliminary interrogation revealed suspected international and terror links, prompting the recommendation to transfer the case to the Jharkhand Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The probe was subsequently taken over by the NIA due to its terror-related implications.
The SSP also revealed that one of the accused had attempted to escape twice from the Kotwali police station lockup. During the second attempt, he allegedly snatched a police officer’s weapon and opened fire. Police responded in self-defence, injuring him in the leg. He is currently undergoing treatment.
Officials said the investigation is focused on tracing the broader network, including individuals who may have provided financial assistance, shelter or logistical support. The NIA is also analysing the seized electronic evidence to establish communication links between the accused and their handlers. More arrests are likely as the agency continues its investigation into the suspected terror network.
