A resident of Kashmir was detained in Ayodhya after he allegedly attempted to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex, prompting security concerns at the high-security religious site, officials said.
According to official sources, the man has been identified as Ahmed Sheikh, a 55-year-old resident of Shopian district in Kashmir. Authorities said he entered the Ram Mandir complex on Friday as a visitor and completed a darshan at the shrine before moving toward the Sita Rasoi area within the premises.
Security personnel reportedly noticed Sheikh sitting near the area and behaving in a manner that suggested he was preparing to offer namaz. Temple security staff immediately intervened and stopped him before any prayer could take place. He was subsequently detained and handed over to the local police for further questioning.
Sources also claimed that when security officials questioned him, the man allegedly raised slogans, which further heightened suspicion and led to swift action by authorities. Police officials said the matter was treated seriously given the sensitive nature of the location.
However, members of Sheikh’s family have claimed that he is mentally unwell. They have presented medical documents from the psychiatry department of Srinagar Medical College, stating that he has a history of mental illness and was not acting with malicious intent.
Investigating agencies and intelligence officials are now questioning Sheikh to determine his motives and understand the circumstances that led him to the temple complex. Police are also verifying his travel history, including how he reached Ayodhya, where he was staying, and whether he had contact with any other individuals before the incident.
During initial checks, police reportedly recovered items such as cashews and raisins from his belongings. Sources said Sheikh told investigators that he was travelling to Ajmer, though officials are continuing to cross-check this claim.
Senior police officers and intelligence agencies are also reviewing the existing security protocols at the Ram Mandir complex following the incident. Authorities are assessing whether any gaps need to be addressed to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The district administration and the Ram Temple Trust have so far refrained from issuing any official statement on the matter.
The incident comes at a sensitive time, as Ayodhya is preparing for Makar Sankranti celebrations next week, which are expected to attract large crowds. It also occurred ahead of the second anniversary of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22, prompting heightened security measures across the temple town.
