Ranchi

The three men arrested for allegedly hurling petrol bombs at a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Ranchi have links to the Pakistan-backed organisation Tehreek-e-Taliban Hindustan (TTH) and were allegedly radicalised during visits to Dubai, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

The accused, identified as Saif Ansari, Aman Ansari and Sayam Sujan, were arrested after police tracked them through technical evidence and details related to a Rapido cab allegedly used during the attack.

Sources claimed that Saif and Aman travelled to Dubai, where they came into contact with Shahbaz Rana alias Bhatti, a Pakistani national. During their stay, they were allegedly influenced to support and promote anti-India activities linked to TTH.

Investigators believe the accused remained in touch with their handlers through messaging platforms such as Botim and WhatsApp. After the attack, they allegedly recorded videos of the incident and forwarded them to their overseas contacts.

The petrol bomb attack took place outside the RSS office in Ranchi's Nivaranpur area in the early hours of June 16. Although the explosives landed near the premises, no damage or injuries were reported.

Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Ranjan said the case had revealed possible international and terror-related links, prompting a recommendation that the probe be transferred to the Jharkhand Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

According to police, one of the accused made two attempts to escape custody. During the second attempt, he allegedly snatched a service weapon from a police officer and opened fire while trying to flee. Police responded in self-defence, injuring him in the leg. He is currently undergoing treatment.

Ranjan said investigators are examining broader connections, funding channels and additional individuals who may have been involved in the conspiracy. More arrests are likely as the probe progresses.

City Superintendent of Police Paras Rana said the accused first escaped by breaking a ventilation window in a police station bathroom before being caught aboard a bus. He later attempted another escape, leading to the armed confrontation.

Earlier, CCTV footage reviewed by investigators showed two youths approaching the RSS office and throwing petrol bombs at around 12:38 am. Forensic teams are analysing recovered bottles and other evidence, while cyber experts continue to examine digital links and communications.

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Police officials said the investigation is focused not only on identifying operational links but also on determining whether the attack was intended to create panic and disturb communal harmony in the region.