Terror Suspect in Ram Temple Attack Plot Fatally Assaulted in Faridabad Jail
In a shocking incident that has raised serious security concerns, Abdul Rahman, a 20-year-old terror accused arrested for allegedly plotting an attack on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, was killed inside Faridabad district jail on Sunday night. The attack occurred around 8pm when Rahman was assaulted by another inmate, Arun Chaudhary, a Kashmiri youth lodged in the same facility.
Details of the Fatal Assault
Jail authorities confirmed that Chaudhary struck Rahman on the head with a sharp-edged object, leaving him critically injured. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, doctors declared Rahman dead upon arrival. The incident has prompted an immediate inquiry to determine the circumstances and security lapses that allowed such an attack to occur within the prison walls.
"We are yet to ascertain the reason behind the killing," a police officer stated, adding that investigators are questioning both inmates and staff to piece together the sequence of events leading to the fatal assault.
Background of the Terror Accused
Abdul Rahman, a resident of Milkipur in Uttar Pradesh's Faizabad district, had been arrested on March 2, 2025, near Pali village in Faridabad. His capture came during a joint operation conducted by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the Haryana Special Task Force (STF). During the arrest, authorities recovered two hand grenades from his possession, which were later safely defused by bomb disposal squads.
Investigators revealed that Rahman had been living in Faridabad under a fake identity, successfully blending into the local community by working as an autorickshaw driver and at a small eatery. He was residing in a secluded tubewell house on the outskirts of the city, maintaining a low profile while allegedly preparing for his mission.
The Ram Temple Attack Plot
Security agencies had identified Rahman as a key operative tasked with conducting reconnaissance of sensitive locations, including the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and various administrative buildings across Uttar Pradesh. Digital devices seized during his arrest contained videos and material directly linked to the Ram Temple, along with detailed instructions and specifics of the proposed attack.
Officials had earlier disclosed that the grenades recovered from Rahman were sourced through handlers linked to Pakistan's ISI via networks associated with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). While no specific date had been fixed for the attack, security agencies assessed that the planned strike was imminent and could have resulted in mass casualties and widespread panic.
National Security Implications
Following Rahman's arrest, central and state intelligence agencies launched a coordinated probe to identify sleeper cells, local facilitators, and logistical support networks linked to the plot. The case was being treated as a major national security threat, highlighting the persistent challenges in counter-terrorism efforts.
In the wake of Rahman's killing inside the prison, police officials confirmed that security arrangements within Faridabad district jail are being thoroughly reviewed. "This incident underscores the need for enhanced vigilance even within secure facilities," noted a security analyst familiar with the case.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine whether the jail assault was motivated by personal conflicts, ideological differences, or other factors. The death of a key terror suspect while in custody adds a complex layer to an already sensitive national security case.
