The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted extensive searches at five locations in Lohardaga as part of its investigation into the petrol bomb attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Ranchi. The raids, carried out in the early hours of the morning, were conducted with assistance from local police amid tight security arrangements in the region. The investigation is linked to the June 17 attack, when petrol bombs were allegedly thrown at the RSS office premises in Ranchi by two unidentified individuals.

The incident was reported as an attempt to damage the office, following which authorities launched a probe to identify those responsible and uncover the larger conspiracy, if any, behind the attack. The NIA took over the investigation and has since been conducting searches across multiple locations connected to the case. Officials have been examining possible evidence, including documents, digital devices and other material that could provide details about the planning and execution of the attack. During Wednesday’s raids, NIA officials encountered an unusual challenge while searching the residence of prime accused Aman Ansari, who is currently lodged in judicial custody.

According to officials familiar with the operation, investigators initially attempted to enter the house through the main entrance but could not gain access as the door was not opened from inside. To reach the upper floor of the residence, the NIA team used a crane arranged through the electricity department. The officials climbed onto the upper level with the help of the crane and entered the house before beginning a detailed search of the premises. The searches began at around 4 am and were conducted simultaneously at five locations in Lohardaga. Security personnel were deployed around the areas where the raids took place to ensure that the investigation proceeded without disruption.

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The latest action follows a wider crackdown by the NIA in connection with the case. Last week, the agency conducted coordinated searches at 20 locations spread across multiple states as part of efforts to identify individuals allegedly involved in planning and carrying out the attack. Investigators are also looking into the possible motive behind the petrol bomb attack and whether the accused acted independently or were connected to any larger network. The agency has been gathering evidence and questioning individuals linked to the case as part of its ongoing probe. The attack on the RSS office had triggered concerns among security agencies in Jharkhand, given the nature of the incident and the use of petrol bombs.

Authorities have been working to establish the sequence of events leading up to the attack, including how the accused allegedly planned the act and carried out the operation. While the NIA has not released details of the items recovered during Wednesday’s searches, officials said the material collected during the raids would be examined as part of the investigation. Further action, including additional questioning and searches, may follow based on the findings. The agency has maintained that the investigation remains active and that efforts are underway to identify all individuals allegedly involved in the attack. The case will continue to progress as investigators analyse evidence and build a comprehensive picture of the events surrounding the Ranchi RSS office incident.

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