A 55-year-old man from Shopian, Kashmir, Ahmed Sheikh, was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya and reportedly raising slogans when stopped.
Officials said Sheikh entered the high-security temple premises on Friday and sat near the Sita Rasoi area, where he appeared to be preparing for namaz. Temple security intervened immediately, detaining him and handing him over to local police for questioning. The claim that he raised slogans has not been officially confirmed.
Police and intelligence agencies are investigating Sheikh’s intent, travel details, and whether anyone else was involved. During preliminary checks, items such as cashews and raisins were reportedly found in his possession, and he mentioned traveling to Ajmer.
Senior officials are also reviewing security arrangements at the Ram Mandir in light of the incident. The district administration and Ram Temple Trust have not commented. The event comes ahead of Makar Sankranti celebrations next week and the second anniversary of the temple’s consecration on January 22, both expected to draw large crowds.
