ISI-Backed Plot to Attack Ayodhya Ram Temple Foiled in Faridabad; Hand Grenades Seized, Suspect Arrested
In a significant security operation, Indian law enforcement agencies recently thwarted a plan to attack the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a site of immense religious importance. The operation led to the arrest of Abdul Rehman, a 19-year-old from Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, who was allegedly linked to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Background of the Suspect
Abdul Rehman had been residing in Faridabad, Haryana, under the guise of a meat shop owner and part-time auto-rickshaw driver. This facade allowed him to blend seamlessly into the local community, masking his alleged espionage activities. Investigations suggest that Rehman had been conducting reconnaissance of the Ram Temple for an extended period, gathering and transmitting sensitive information to the ISI. His affiliations reportedly extend to various Islamist organizations, further deepening concerns about his network and intentions.
Unraveling the Conspiracy
The plot came to light following a coordinated effort by the Special Task Force (STF) of Haryana Police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Gujarat, acting on intelligence inputs from central agencies. Rehman had allegedly procured two hand grenades from a smuggler in Faridabad, intending to transport them to Ayodhya by train. However, before he could execute his plan, authorities apprehended him, recovering the grenades from an abandoned house in Pali village, approximately 12 kilometers from Faridabad. The explosives have since been defused, averting a potential disaster.
Broader Security Implications
This incident is not isolated. In recent years, there have been multiple attempts targeting religious sites in India. For instance, in August 2023, four individuals suspected of being ISI agents were arrested for collecting and transmitting sensitive information about religious places, including the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Their activities underscored the persistent threats posed by espionage networks aiming to destabilize communal harmony.
Moreover, in November 2024, security agencies heightened vigilance in Ayodhya following threats from Khalistani elements aiming to target the Ram Temple. Such incidents highlight the continuous efforts by anti-national entities to disrupt peace and target symbols of cultural and religious significance.
Ongoing Investigations
Following his arrest, Rehman has been remanded to a 10-day police custody for intensive interrogation. Authorities aim to uncover the extent of his connections and identify any collaborators involved in the conspiracy. The primary objective is to dismantle any larger network that poses a threat to national security and ensure the safety of religious sites across the country.
The swift action by Indian security agencies in foiling the plot to attack the Ayodhya Ram Temple underscores their vigilance and commitment to safeguarding the nation's cultural and religious heritage. However, the recurring nature of such threats necessitates continuous intelligence gathering, community awareness, and proactive measures to counteract the evolving strategies of adversarial entities.
