Kashmiri man detained after attempting to offer namaz inside Ayodhya Ram Temple complex

Security personnel detained a 56-year-old man from Kashmir on Saturday after he allegedly tried to offer namaz inside the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya, officials said.

The man, identified as Abu Ahad Sheikh, a resident of the Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, was stopped by security guards when he spread a cloth near the Sita Rasoi area, around 200 metres from the main temple, reportedly to offer prayers. He was immediately taken into custody after being noticed by the guards. Officials said he later raised slogans, following which security agencies were alerted.

Advertisement

Abu Ahad Sheikh is currently being questioned at the police control room within the Ram Temple compound to ascertain the purpose of his visit to Ayodhya and how he entered the high-security zone. Initial reports suggested that three people were detained from the temple campus. However, Ayodhya Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Grover clarified that only one individual has been taken into custody. “We have only one person with us. He was attempting to offer namaz and was detained by security personnel,” he said.

According to the police, the man entered the Ram Temple premises through Gate D1. As per existing arrangements, visitors are subjected to security checks, but identity documents such as Aadhaar cards are not verified at entry points. Officials said this may have been used to gain access to the campus.

Following the incident, intelligence agencies, local police, and senior administrative officials reached the spot and began an assessment of the security situation. The district administration has not yet issued an official statement, and the Ram Temple Trust has also not commented on the matter.

Meanwhile, Mahant Ramesh Das, chief priest of Hanuman Garhi, demanded a complete ban on the entry of Muslims into the Ram Temple complex. He said since Ram Lalla has been consecrated and the temple is fully functional, such an entry should not be allowed, and urged both the Central and state governments to take immediate action.

His statement, however, reflects a personal opinion and has not been endorsed by authorities.

Since the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024, the Ram Temple has been receiving around 150,000 devotees daily. In view of repeated security threats, including terror-related warnings, the government has decided to deploy a unit of the National Security Guard (NSG) to further strengthen security at the temple.