In a coordinated operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Haryana's Palwal Special Task Force (STF) apprehended a suspected terrorist in Faridabad on Sunday. Sources reveal that the suspect, identified as Abdul Rehman, has allegedly admitted to planning an attack on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Authorities also seized two hand grenades from his possession.
Suspect Originates from Faizabad
Abdul Rehman, a resident of Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, is undergoing intensive interrogation over suspected terrorist links. Initial investigations indicate that he traveled to Faridabad by train.
Upon his arrival, an unidentified individual allegedly handed him two hand grenades near a village and instructed him to remain in Faridabad. Following his arrest, the Haryana STF has been granted a 10-day court-approved remand for further questioning.
Connected to ISKP Terror Network
During interrogation, Abdul Rehman reportedly confessed to being linked with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), a faction of the terrorist group ISIS. He allegedly became involved with the network about ten months ago and received training through online video calls. Investigators disclosed that he underwent training while at his shop in Milkipur, where he also took part in discussions about planned attacks.
Online Training & Terrorist Conspiracy
Rehman, who studied only until the 10th grade, is believed to have received detailed instructions and assignments via video calls. Reports suggest that the plan to attack the Ram Temple was formulated during these virtual training sessions. Authorities discovered multiple photos and videos of religious sites on his mobile phone.
Before leaving home, Rehman reportedly informed his family that he was heading to Delhi's Markaz, a religious congregation center, but instead traveled to Faridabad. It has been confirmed that he departed from his home just five days prior to his arrest.
Active Inquiry
Security agencies are currently investigating Rehman's broader network and potential connections with other individuals. His associations with ISI-backed terror groups and his handlers are under close scrutiny. The discovery of explosives and his confession about the Ram Temple plot have sparked serious national security concerns.
Authorities are likely to escalate their investigation, with further revelations expected as the interrogation progresses.
What his father said?
Rehman's father also shared with ANI that his son had informed him he would be away for two days to visit a friend. "I was not allowing him to leave. I told him Eid is here, and we need money..."
The father stated that he last spoke to Rehman on March 2, the day after he left home. Following their final conversation at noon, Rehman's phone became unreachable as it had been switched off, the father added.
The father stated that he was briefly held and taken to a nearby police station for questioning. "... then they let me go and told me to go home, and that I would find out what had happened there. When I came back... media was here, and I came to know that he was suspected of carrying bombs. "
"But he told me he was going to Delhi to meet a friend."
"If someone is guilty... they should be punished. But it should be investigated whether he was falsely implicated after being called to Delhi..." the father said, putting the blame on Rehman's "friends."
Sources indicate that Abdul Rehman, the eldest child, previously worked as an e-rickshaw driver.
Reports suggest he may have undergone a transformation following a meeting at a town vegetable market last year. After this, he traveled to Visakhapatnam via Delhi, where he became part of a jamaat, an Islamic assembly.
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