Man detained in Ayodhya for attempting to offer ‘namaz’ inside Ram Temple complex

Security agencies at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday detained an individual after he allegedly to offer namaz inside the temple complex.

Family members of the individual, identified as Ahmed Sheikh from Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, claimed that he was mentally ill and has shared medial records from the psychiatry department of Srinagar Medical college as evidence.

The incident raised concern over the security of the temple complex on how the man entered the high-security premises.

Mr. Sheikh reportedly sat near the Sita Rasoi area, allegedly preparing to offer namaz, and raised slogans when stopped by authorities. Security agencies are interrogating the individual.

“He entered the temple complex through gate D1, posing as a devotee. After entering the shrine complex, he sat near the Sita Rasoi and began offering namaz. Visitors at the temple protested, prompting the security personnel to take immediate action and detain him,” an official said.

Law enforcement authorities are investigating the matter to ascertain the intent and verifying travel details of the man in question.

The incident came a day after the local administration banned the delivery of non-vegetarian food within a 15-km radius of the temple complex, following complaints about food delivery companies bringing non-vegetarian items in the spiritual circumambulation path around the city. Earlier, there was ban issued on sale of non-vegetarian food around the temple.