The petrol bomb attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Ranchi took a dramatic turn on Thursday, 18 June, after the main accused, identified as Saif, escaped from police lock-up and was re-arrested following an encounter in which he sustained injuries, officials said. The development adds a fresh layer to an already serious case that has drawn the invocation of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The Escape and Re-Arrest

Saif had been lodged at the Kotwali police station lock-up in connection with the petrol bomb attack when he managed to flee custody on Thursday afternoon. Police immediately launched a pursuit to track him down.

The situation escalated in the Mandar area, where the accused allegedly snatched a weapon from a police personnel and opened fire. Officers retaliated in self-defence, injuring Saif in the process. He was subsequently taken back into custody and admitted to a hospital for treatment, according to officials.

The Original Attack

The chain of events began on Wednesday when a petrol bomb attack was carried out on the RSS Jharkhand unit office located in Nivaranpur under the Chutia police station area. CCTV footage captured two youths hurling explosives at the premises. No casualties were reported, and the building did not sustain major structural damage.

Following a formal complaint by Jharkhand RSS state head Narsingh Kumar, an FIR was registered at Chutia police station. The complaint stated that the attack endangered lives and amounted to a serious conspiracy, and sought action under UAPA — provisions of which have since been invoked in the case.

UAPA Invoked, Three Arrested

So far, three accused have been arrested in connection with the case. Investigating agencies are probing the motive behind the attack, the accused's network, and possible links to a larger conspiracy. Officials confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway.

The invocation of UAPA signals that authorities are treating this as more than a routine law-and-order matter. The act, which targets unlawful and terrorist activities, significantly expands the scope and duration of the investigation.

RSS Demands Enhanced Security

The RSS has demanded heightened security at the Ranchi office and called for the establishment of a permanent police picket in the area, citing the regular presence of functionaries and workers at the premises. The demand underscores concerns that the office remains vulnerable to further threats.

As investigators continue to map the accused's network and establish the full scale of the alleged conspiracy, the case is expected to remain under close watch by both state and central security agencies.