Petrol bombs thrown at RSS Jharkhand office in Ranchi; police investigating

In the early hours of Wednesday, two petrol bombs were thrown at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) state office in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The incident occurred shortly after midnight, with the first bomb reportedly hurled around 12:35 am and the second minutes later. No one was injured, and the attack caused no significant damage, according to officials.

According to Narasimh Kumar, the in-charge of the RSS office, the attackers appeared to have intended to cause damage but their attempt was unsuccessful. “The first bomb was thrown at around 12:35 am and the second at around 12:39 am. The attackers failed in their attempt,” Kumar told reporters.

Local police have launched an investigation into the incident. Officials are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the individuals involved. A senior police officer stated that they are examining all angles and have not ruled out any possibility. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the principal opposition party in Jharkhand, has alleged that the incident is part of a larger conspiracy. In a statement, a BJP spokesperson said that the attack on the RSS office is a matter of serious concern and demanded a thorough probe. The party urged the state government to ensure the safety of organisations and their offices.

The RSS is a nationalist voluntary organisation founded in 1925. It is often described as the ideological parent of the BJP. The RSS state office in Ranchi serves as the headquarters for its activities in Jharkhand. The organisation has a significant presence in the state, and its offices have been targeted in the past. However, officials stated that this is the first such incident in recent months.

The Jharkhand government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has not yet issued an official statement. Sources within the government indicated that the administration is taking the matter seriously and has assured cooperation with the police investigation. The opposition has criticised the government over law and order in the state.

Such attacks on organisational premises are rare but not unprecedented. Security has been heightened around the RSS office and other sensitive locations in the city. Police patrols have been increased in the area to prevent any further incidents.

The incident has drawn reactions from various political and social groups, with many condemning the attack. The Congress party, a partner in the ruling coalition, also called for swift action against the culprits. Civil society organisations have emphasised the need for maintaining communal harmony and ensuring that such acts do not create fear.

Investigators are exploring whether the attack was premeditated or the work of individuals. They are also probing the source of the petrol bombs. Forensic teams have collected samples from the site for analysis. The police have appealed to the public to share any information that may assist the investigation.

As the investigation proceeds, there is heightened political activity around the incident. The BJP has announced that it will raise the issue in the state assembly, demanding a statement from the government. The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has accused the BJP of politicising the matter. The state police have urged everyone to avoid speculation and allow the investigation to take its course.