A man from Kashmir was taken into custody on Saturday after he allegedly attempted to offer namaz inside the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple complex in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The incident took place in the morning near the southern area of the high-security temple premises.
According to officials, the man has been identified as Ahmed Sheikh, around 50 years old, a resident of Srinagar. Security personnel noticed him spreading a cloth near the Sita Rasoi area, located a short distance from the main temple, where he allegedly began offering Islamic prayers. He was detained on the spot by the security staff deployed at the site.
Police said that when security personnel intervened, the man allegedly raised religious slogans. However, officials clarified that these claims are still being verified and have not been officially confirmed. He was immediately taken into custody and shifted to the police control room inside the temple complex for questioning.
Ayodhya Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Grover confirmed the detention and said, “Only one person has been taken into custody. He was attempting to offer namaz inside the temple premises and was stopped by the security personnel. Further questioning is underway to understand his intent.”
Officials said the man entered the temple complex through Gate D1. While visitors undergo security screening, identity documents are not verified at the entry gates, which is now being reviewed as part of the security assessment following the incident.
Security agencies, local police and senior administrative officials reached the spot soon after the incident and began an investigation. Authorities are checking the man’s travel history, reasons for visiting Ayodhya and whether anyone else was involved. As per reports, some Kashmiri shawl sellers present in the city were also briefly detained for questioning.
Police said items such as cashews and raisins were recovered from the man during the search. During initial questioning, he reportedly told officials that he was on his way to Ajmer. Intelligence agencies are also conducting parallel inquiries in Kashmir to gather more information about his background.
The district administration and the Ram Temple Trust have so far declined to issue any official statement on the matter.
The incident has once again brought focus on security at the Ram Temple, which has been receiving nearly 1.5 lakh devotees daily since the consecration of Ram Lalla in January 2024.
