Faridabad Jail Officials Suspended Following Murder of Terror Accused
In a significant development, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Security) and the Superintendent of Faridabad Jail have been suspended following the murder of a terror suspect inside the prison complex. The action was taken by DGP (Prisons) Alok Mittal on Friday, days after the incident that has raised serious security concerns.
Details of the Suspension and Immediate Changes
Sachin Kaushik, who served as Deputy Superintendent of Police (Security) at Faridabad Jail, and Harendra Kumar, the Jail Superintendent, were both suspended from their duties. DGP Mittal confirmed the disciplinary action against the two officers, citing lapses that led to the fatal attack.
In response to the suspension, Sanjay Bangar, the Superintendent of Narnaul Jail, has been given additional charge of Faridabad Jail. This temporary appointment aims to ensure continuity in prison administration while investigations proceed.
The Fatal Attack Inside Faridabad Jail
The victim, Abdul Rahman, a 20-year-old terror accused, was killed early Monday morning inside the district prison complex in Neemka. According to police reports, Rahman was attacked around 2 AM while he was asleep by another inmate, Arun Chaudhary.
Chaudhary, a Kashmiri man lodged in the same prison, allegedly used a sharp-edged object to strike Rahman repeatedly on the head. The assault left Rahman critically injured. Despite jail staff providing first aid, he succumbed to his injuries before he could be transported to a hospital.
Background of the Conflict and Judicial Probe
Sources indicate that Rahman and Chaudhary had been at loggerheads for several days leading up to the murder. The tension reportedly stemmed from Rahman's alleged involvement in plotting an attack on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Police are investigating why these two inmates were lodged together despite their known conflicts.
ACP Ashok Kumar confirmed that police received an official letter from jail authorities detailing the murder. The Faridabad police have registered a murder case against Chaudhary, and a judicial probe has been initiated to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Profiles of the Inmates Involved
Arun Chaudhary was transferred from a Jammu jail to Faridabad in October 2024. He faces eight criminal cases, including charges of trespassing, attempt to murder, and murder. His violent history has raised questions about prison management protocols.
Abdul Rahman, a resident of Milkipur in Uttar Pradesh's Faizabad district, was arrested on March 2, 2025, near Pali village in Faridabad. The arrest occurred during a joint operation conducted by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad and Haryana Special Task Force.
Rahman's Alleged Terror Plot and Activities
Police investigations reveal that Rahman was living in Faridabad under a fake identity, successfully blending into the local community. He worked as an autorickshaw driver and at a small eatery while staying at a secluded pump house on the city's outskirts.
Security agencies identified Rahman as a key operative tasked with conducting reconnaissance of sensitive locations, including the Ram Temple and various administrative buildings in the state. During his arrest, authorities recovered two hand grenades that were later defused by bomb disposal squads.
Digital devices seized from Rahman allegedly contained videos and material directly linked to the Ram Temple, along with detailed instructions about the planned attack. Officials stated that the grenades were sourced through handlers connected to Pakistan's ISI via networks associated with the Islamic State Khorasan Province.
Security Review and Ongoing Investigations
Although no specific date had been fixed for the planned attack, security agencies assessed that the intended strike was designed to cause mass casualties and widespread panic. This assessment prompted a coordinated probe by central and state agencies to identify sleeper cells, local facilitators, and logistical support networks.
Following Rahman's killing, DGP Mittal conducted a thorough review of security arrangements at Faridabad Jail on Thursday. Officials questioned both inmates and staff members to establish the precise sequence of events leading to the attack and to identify any systemic failures.
Broader Implications and Continued Scrutiny
The murder of a high-profile terror suspect inside a prison has highlighted significant security vulnerabilities within the correctional system. The suspension of senior jail officials underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating this breach of security protocols.
The judicial probe and ongoing police investigation aim to determine accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. As the case develops, further revelations about prison management and terror networks are expected to emerge.
