Four Detained in Ranchi RSS Office Petrol Bomb Attack, SIT Expands Probe

Ranchi: The investigation into the petrol bomb attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) provincial office at Nivaranpur in Ranchi has gathered pace, with Jharkhand Police detaining four persons, including the driver of the vehicle allegedly used in the incident and two suspected attackers.

Police officials said the detainees are being interrogated to establish the motive behind the attack and determine whether it was part of a larger conspiracy. The incident took place on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday and was captured on CCTV cameras installed near the RSS office.

According to the preliminary investigation, the attackers arrived in a rented car. The police first traced and detained the driver before apprehending two suspects who were allegedly trying to flee to Delhi by train. They were intercepted at a railway station in Bihar. Another individual has also been taken into custody for questioning.

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Following directions from Jharkhand Director General of Police Tadasha Mishra, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the case. The SIT has carried out raids at multiple locations in Ranchi based on CCTV footage, technical evidence and other leads collected during the investigation.

Meanwhile, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the attack site on Wednesday and conducted a preliminary inspection. Sources said investigators have obtained important leads during questioning, prompting authorities to widen the scope of the investigation.

Police are examining the role of each suspect and investigating whether the attack was a planned act involving an organised network or the result of other motives.

CCTV footage reportedly shows two youths hurling petrol bombs into the RSS office premises. While one bomb exploded inside the compound, the other failed to detonate. Teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and a dog squad also visited the spot to collect evidence.

Security has been tightened at the RSS office and surrounding areas as a precaution. Police officials said further details would be shared after the investigation reaches a conclusive stage.

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Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das condemned the attack and called for a fair and comprehensive investigation. He said the police should not only arrest those directly involved but also identify and expose any larger conspiracy behind the incident. Das also welcomed the state government's decision to constitute an SIT, saying he had earlier urged the DGP to form a special team.

Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi also described the incident as serious and alarming. He said petrol bombs being thrown at the RSS office was a matter of grave concern and urged the Ranchi district administration and Jharkhand Police to identify and arrest all those responsible without delay.
 

With inputs from IANS

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