Faridabad/Ahmedabad: In a major anti-terror operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in collaboration with Haryana Special Task Force (STF) and central agencies, arrested ISI-linked terror suspect Abdul Rehman (19) near Faridabad on Sunday, March 2. Rehman, a resident of Milkipur in Uttar Pradesh, had reportedly conducted reconnaissance of the Ram Mandir premises in Ayodhya twice as part of a terror plot.
Milkipur was till a few months ago the bastion of the Samajwadi Party. In the past Milkipur was represented by Awadhesh Prasad of Samajwadi Party who is now Faizabad MP.
Meanwhile, post the arrest of Rehman, the authorities confirmed that Islamist Rehman who was supposed to execute the terror attack on Ayodhya’s Ram M,andir had travelled to Faridabad by train from Faizabad. It was here that he was introduced to an unknown handler who provided them with two hand grenades. The grenades had no identifiable markings from any country. Upon his arrest, security forces successfully defused the explosives and recovered radical material from his possession.
Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is on the target of Islamic terrorists owing allegiance to Inter Services Intelligence of Pakistan. The Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) of @GujaratPolice has arrested one Abdul Rehman with two hand grenades. Rehman who was arrested from Faridabad in Haryana, had… pic.twitter.com/fMrKRyUDjp
— Pramod Kumar Singh (@SinghPramod2784) March 3, 2025
According to security officials, “The interrogation is focused on his handlers, possible targets, and any network he was connected with.” The Gujarat ATS is leading the probe, with support from central agencies, to track down any additional suspects linked to the plot.
VIDEO | In a joint operation by Gujarat ATS and Haryana STF, a suspected terrorist was arrested from Haryana's Pali village on Sunday (March 02) evening. Two live hand grenades were also recovered from him. pic.twitter.com/FkxYLw1wVA
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 3, 2025
Investigations have revealed that Rehman had ties with Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, and was a member of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Sources indicate that ISI operatives were training him in handling AK-47 rifles and other weapons. His handler in Faridabad, who supplied him with grenades, was allegedly operating under ISI directives.
Following his arrest, a case has been registered against Rehman, and he has been placed under 10-day judicial custody by the Haryana STF. Authorities are now intensifying efforts to uncover his wider terror network and possible accomplices.
