A man from Kashmir was detained on Friday after he allegedly attempted to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya and raised slogans when stopped, officials said.
According to sources, the man has been identified as Ahmed Sheikh, a 55-year-old resident of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said he entered the high-security temple premises, visited the shrine and later sat near the Sita Rasoi area, where he was allegedly preparing to offer namaz.
Security personnel noticed his actions and intervened promptly. He was detained by temple security staff and subsequently handed over to the local police for questioning. Some sources claimed that the man allegedly raised slogans after being stopped.
However, members of Sheikh’s family have said that he is mentally unwell and have shared medical documents from the psychiatry department of Srinagar Medical College in support of their claim.
Police said multiple agencies, including intelligence units, are questioning the man to ascertain his intent. Officials are also verifying his travel details, including the purpose of his visit to Ayodhya and whether anyone else was involved.
During initial checks, police reportedly recovered items such as cashews and raisins from his possession. Sources said the man told investigators that he was travelling to Ajmer.
Senior police officials are also reviewing the security arrangements at the Ram Mandir complex following the incident. The district administration and the Ram Temple Trust have not issued any official statement so far.
The incident comes at a time when Ayodhya is preparing for Makar Sankranti celebrations next week, which are expected to draw large crowds. It also takes place ahead of the second anniversary of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony on January 22, prompting heightened security measures across the temple town.