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

Security agencies at the Ram Temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya on Saturday detained a person who was allegedly performing prayers at the temple complex.

Family members of the person identified as Ahmed Sheikh from Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district claimed that he was mentally ill and shared medical records obtained from the department of psychiatry at Srinagar Medical College as evidence.

The incident raised concerns about the security of the temple complex over how the man entered the highly secure building.

Mr Sheikh was reportedly sitting near the Sita Rasoi area, allegedly preparing to pray and shouting slogans when he was stopped by the authorities. Security units continue to interrogate the person.

“He entered the temple complex from gate D1 disguised as a devotee. After entering the temple complex, he sat next to Sita Rasoi and started offering prayers. Visitors at the temple protested, prompting security personnel to take immediate action and detain him,” an official said.

Law enforcement is investigating the matter to determine the man’s intentions and verify his travel details.

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