Ranchi RSS attack accused were headed to Lucknow for bigger task: Cops
The investigation into the petrol bomb attack on the RSS office in Ranchi has revealed what security agencies describe as a wider conspiracy allegedly linked
The investigation into the petrol bomb attack on the RSS office in Ranchi has revealed what security agencies describe as a wider conspiracy allegedly linked to Pakistan-based handlers, with investigators now probing possible sleeper-cell networks operating in northern India. According to sources, one of the arrested accused, Aman Ansari, told investigators that he had travelled to Punjab after returning to India from Dubai. During questioning, he allegedly claimed that the visit was aimed at meeting an individual described to him as a "boss". After spending a few days in Punjab, he returned to Ranchi. Read Full Story Security agencies believe the Ranchi attack may have been part of a larger operation.
Sources said that after the attack on the RSS office, Ansari and co-accused Saif Ansari allegedly received instructions from a Pakistan-based handler to travel to Lucknow. Investigators said the two accused had boarded a train and were travelling towards Lucknow via Kanpur when they were intercepted and arrested by Ranchi Police near Koderma before reaching their destination. THE ACCUSED WAS TO MEET ANOTHER SLEEPER CELL OPERATIVE IN LUCKNOW According to preliminary findings, Ansari was allegedly supposed to meet a sleeper-cell operative in Lucknow who was expected to be assigned a larger task. Agencies are now trying to identify the individual and determine the nature of the alleged assignment.
Investigators are also examining whether the accused had plans to travel beyond Lucknow, including to Ayodhya, though no official confirmation has been made. Multiple raids are reportedly underway in search of the suspected sleeper-cell contact and others who may be linked to the network. The probe has also uncovered details about the alleged funding behind the attack. Investigators claim the three accused were promised a total of INR 1.5 lakh for carrying out the petrol bomb attack on the RSS office. According to sources, an initial payment of INR 10,000 was allegedly transferred through a QR-code-based digital transaction. Security agencies are now tracing the source of the payment and identifying those involved in financing the operation.
Investigators have also recovered two audio recordings allegedly involving Aman Ansari and a Pakistan-based handler identified as "Rana Sahib". Sources said the conversations refer to a future "bigger task", raising concerns that the Ranchi attack may have been intended as a precursor to further activities. The investigation remains ongoing, with central and state agencies jointly examining the alleged network, funding channels and possible cross-border links. Ends
The BriefWire