India: Islamic terror suspect Abdul Rehman arrested for plotting attacks on Ram Temple and Somnath Temple

In a significant counterterrorism operation, Indian security agencies have thwarted a planned jihad terror attack on the famous Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The suspect, Abdul Rehman, a resident of Milkipur in Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested in Faridabad, Haryana, with two live hand grenades, ammunition, and other jihadist material in his possession.

Acting on intelligence inputs, a joint team comprising Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Faridabad’s Special Task Force (STF) apprehended Rehman. Investigations revealed that he had conducted multiple reconnaissance missions of the Ram Temple and shared critical information with handlers linked to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Rehman’s plan involved attacking the temple using hand grenades.

Abdul Rehman, a 19-year-old suspected jihad terrorist, had been residing in Pali village under a fabricated Hindu identity, using the alias “Shankar.” To blend into the local community and avoid suspicion, he reportedly engaged in multiple occupations, including working in a mutton shop and driving an auto rickshaw in Faizabad. His low-profile lifestyle allowed him to remain undetected while he allegedly maintained covert ties with operatives linked to ISI.

Authorities believe that Rehman underwent training under ISI handlers, who provided him with the necessary skills to execute an attack. Investigations suggest that he was in contact with members of an Islamic terror network through social media channels. His handlers are believed to have guided him to survey key locations and relay crucial information.

While one of Rehman’s primary targets was the famous Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a site of immense religious and cultural significance for the Hindus, sources add that he also had the Somanath temple in Gujarat as a target. Given the sensitive nature of the location of the Ram  Mandir and the large number of devotees visiting the temple, especially following the recent Kumbh celebrations, security agencies have already intensified their surveillance of the region. This is why the accused had reportedly conducted reconnaissance of the Ram Mandir premises multiple times, gathering information and assessing potential security loopholes. The Somnath Temple is also expected to witness a high foot traffic in the coming days, especially with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the Somnath Temple on Sunday. Attacking the temples during such times would ensure maximum fatalities.

Rehman’s prompt arrest, which foiled what could have been a deadly terror attack, is being hailed as a significant success in countering Islamic terrorism in a country that has been a victim of Pakistan-backed terror attacks for decades after independence and the formation of the Islamic nation. After Rehman’s arrest, security agencies boosted security in and around Ayodhya and deployed additional forces to ensure that there would be no further threats on these religious sites.

Officials are interrogating the suspect to uncover more details about his network and potential accomplices. Intelligence reports had indicated the presence of two suspects; however, the second suspect’s identity remains untraceable. Security forces remain on high alert, monitoring physical and digital channels to preempt any future attempts at terrorism.

The incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by jihadist elements on the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya and the Somnath Temple in Gujarat. Both temples have a long history of being attacked and razed by Islamic invaders through the centuries, and have been gained back with a lot of struggle and perseverance by the Hindus. They are therefore hated by many Muslims all over the world. Muslim politicians in India have openly expressed their disregard for the Apex court’s verdict on the Ram Temple case in 2019, and have kept the provocative sentiment ignited in the minds of their followers through the years. The plausible attack on the temple by a Muslim, therefore, doesn’t surprise the Hindus.