Ranchi: The investigation into the petrol bomb attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) state office in Ranchi witnessed a dramatic development on Thursday when the prime accused escaped from police custody before being recaptured after an encounter with security personnel.
Police identified the accused as Saif, who had been arrested for his alleged role in Wednesday’s petrol bomb attack on the RSS office at Nivaranpur. He was lodged in the lock-up at Kotwali police station when he allegedly escaped on Thursday afternoon, prompting an extensive manhunt.
According to officials, police tracked him down in the Mandar area. During the operation, Saif allegedly snatched a firearm from a police personnel and opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest. The police retaliated, injuring him before taking him back into custody.
The accused was immediately shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. Police officials said his condition is stable.
The incident is linked to the petrol bomb attack on the RSS office under the Chutia police station limits in the early hours of Wednesday. CCTV footage reportedly captured two youths throwing petrol bombs at the premises. While one bomb exploded inside the compound, no casualties or major damage were reported.
Following a complaint lodged by Jharkhand RSS state chief Narsingh Kumar, Chutia police registered an FIR, stating that the attack had endangered lives and appeared to be part of a well-planned conspiracy. Investigators have since invoked provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in the case.
The RSS has also demanded tighter security at its Ranchi office, including the deployment of a permanent police picket, citing the frequent presence of its office-bearers and volunteers.
So far, three persons have been arrested in connection with the attack. Investigating agencies are examining the motive behind the incident, the accused’s network and whether the attack was orchestrated as part of a larger conspiracy. Officials said the probe is continuing and more arrests are not being ruled out.
With inputs from IANS