RANCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA), carried out coordinated raids at multiple locations in Jharkhand’s Lohardaga district as part of its ongoing investigation into the petrol bomb attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) provincial office in Ranchi in June.
The early morning operation, launched around 4 am, saw NIA teams, assisted by the Lohardaga district police, conduct simultaneous searches at New Azad Basti, Rahat Nagar, and other locations linked to suspects arrested in the case.
One of the key locations searched was the residence of Aman Ansari in New Azad Basti. Ansari, who is among the accused in the case, is currently lodged in jail. Since no one opened the door of the house, the NIA reportedly used an electricity department crane to access the upper floor before entering the premises and completing the search.
The agency also searched the residence of Saif Ansari and other suspects allegedly connected to the attempted attack. During the operation, investigators examined mobile phones, laptops, digital devices, documents and other materials in an effort to trace the wider network, contacts and possible conspiracy behind the incident.
The raids are part of the NIA’s intensified probe into the June 16 attempt to hurl petrol bombs at the RSS provincial office in Ranchi’s Nivaranpur area. The attack had taken place during the early hours of the morning and triggered a major security response. Following the incident, the RSS alleged that petrol bombs had been thrown at its office, prompting the Jharkhand Police to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) before the case was later taken over by the NIA.
Thursday’s searches mark the second round of NIA raids in Lohardaga linked to the case. The agency had earlier searched the same locations on June 19, shortly after taking over the investigation.
Security was tightened across the area during Thursday’s operation, with a heavy deployment of police personnel. The significant security presence drew local residents to the area as the raids progressed.
Confirming the operation, Lohardaga Superintendent of Police Sadique Anwar Rizwi said, “The NIA conducted raids in Lohardaga and then returned.” However, in another interaction, the SP said he was not aware of the details of the operation.
