A 55-year-old man from Jammu and Kashmir, identified as Abu Ahmed Sheikh, was detained on Saturday after allegedly attempting to offer namaz within the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya. The incident has prompted heightened security measures at the high-profile temple site.
According to Superintendent of Police (Security) Balramchari Dubey, Sheikh, a resident of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, entered the temple complex through Gate D1, posing as a devotee. After visiting the shrine, he then sat near the Sita Rasoi area and allegedly began preparing to offer namaz. Security personnel noticed his actions and immediately intervened, detaining him and handing him over to the local police. Some sources indicate that Sheikh also raised slogans after being stopped, but police are still verifying this allegation.
Following the incident, Sheikh was taken to the Ram Janmabhoomi police outpost for questioning, under the supervision of SP (security) Balramchari Dubey. Ayodhya SSP Gaurav Grover stated that Sheikh's background was being checked and a detailed report was requested from the J&K Police. Authorities did not find any suspicious objects on him during preliminary checks, but they did find items such as cashews and raisins. Sheikh reportedly told investigators that he was traveling to Ajmer. It remains unclear how he reached Ayodhya.
Sheikh's family has claimed that he is mentally ill and provided medical records from the psychiatry department of Srinagar Medical College. His son, Imran, told reporters that the family was unaware of Sheikh's visit to Ayodhya, stating, "We didn't know anything about it. He is totally unsound". Imran added that his father often leaves home without informing the family and frequently visits mosques. Neighbors in Shopian corroborated the family's claims, stating that Sheikh has been undergoing treatment and taking medication. One neighbor commented, "Had he been of sound mind, he would not have prayed inside a temple. He would have known it is a temple".
The incident has raised concerns about security at the Ram Mandir complex, which has been experiencing high footfall since its consecration, with an average of 150,000 devotees visiting daily. In light of repeated threats and the high volume of visitors, the state is planning a permanent NSG hub in Ayodhya to strengthen rapid response capabilities to terror threats and high-risk situations. Security has been tightened at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex, with increased vigilance at entry points and enhanced checking of devotees. The district administration and the Ram Temple Trust have not yet issued any official statement regarding the incident. Investigators are currently questioning Sheikh to determine his intent and verify his travel details, including the purpose of his visit to Ayodhya and whether he had any accomplices.
