Ranchi, June 18 (IANS) The incident of petrol bomb attack on the Jharkhand unit office of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Ranchi took a dramatic turn on Thursday after the main accused escaped from police custody and was later re-arrested following an encounter in which he sustained injuries, officials said.

According to the police, the accused identified as Saif, was arrested in connection with the petrol bomb attack — had been lodged in the lock-up at Kotwali police station. He managed to escape from custody on Thursday afternoon. The police launched a long chase to nab him.

During an attempt to corner him in the Mandar area, the accused allegedly snatched a weapon from a police personnel and opened fire. The police said they retaliated in self-defence, injuring the accused.

He was subsequently taken into custody again and admitted to a hospital for treatment, police said.

The incident stems from a petrol bomb attack on the RSS office located in Nivaranpur under the Chutia police station area on Wednesday. CCTV footage showed two youths hurling explosives towards the premises. No casualties were reported, and the building did not suffer any major damage.

Following a 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. It also sought action under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), provisions of which have now been invoked in the case.

The RSS has demanded enhanced security at the office and the establishment of a permanent police picket in the area, citing the regular presence of functionaries and workers on the premises.

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

–IANS

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