Ranchi, July 16 (IANS) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday carried out coordinated raids at multiple locations in Jharkhand’s Lohardaga district in connection with the petrol bomb attack on the regional office of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Ranchi in June.

The agency searched the premises of suspects linked to the case and examined digital devices, documents and other potential evidence.

An NIA team reached Lohardaga at around 4 a.m. on Thursday, accompanied by local police personnel and central security forces.

Acting simultaneously at different locations, the team conducted searches at the residences and hideouts of persons suspected to be connected to the attack.

Mobile phones, laptops, digital storage devices and various documents were scrutinised during the operation. Sources said some materials were seized for further technical and forensic examination.

According to sources, the agency also searched premises linked to Saif Ansari and Aman Ansari, both currently lodged in judicial custody in connection with the case.

During the search at Aman Ansari’s residence, NIA officials reportedly had to enter the building from the upper floor with the help of a crane provided by the electricity department after the main entrance could not be opened.

Security arrangements in the area were tightened during the search operation after a large number of local residents gathered near the search sites.

Investigators are believed to be collecting evidence to trace the network behind the attack, examine suspected links and establish any wider conspiracy.

The agency is analysing the seized digital material to determine the nature of communication and coordination among those allegedly involved in the incident.

The NIA has not yet issued an official statement on Thursday’s raids.

Notably, the RSS provincial office in Ranchi was attacked by a petrol bomb on the night of June 16. The case was initially investigated by the local police before it was transferred to the NIA.

The agency had earlier conducted raids at several locations in Lohardaga on June 19 also as part of the probe.

Thursday’s operation is being viewed as a continuation of that investigation.

–IANS

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