Kashmir man detained at Ayodhya Ram Mandir over alleged namaz attempt. Photos: X.
Ram Mandir Ayodhya: A man from Kashmir was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to offer namaz inside the high-security Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya, according to NewsX sources.
According to sources, the individual has been identified as Ahmed Sheikh, a 55-year-old resident of Shopian district in Kashmir. However, his Aadhar ID shows his name as Ab Ahad Sheikh. According to the reports, the man entered the Ram Mandir premises on Friday. After visiting the shrine, he reportedly sat near the Sita Rasoi area, where he was allegedly preparing to offer namaz.
However, other reports present a different account of the incident. According to these versions, three people entered the Ram Janmabhoomi complex on Saturday morning and allegedly attempted to offer namaz before being stopped by security personnel.
The reports state that the group comprised two young men and one girl, all of whom claimed to be residents of Kashmir. Eyewitnesses reportedly found the trio’s behaviour suspicious, following which security personnel intervened.
As per the reports citing eyewitness accounts, the two young men and the girl entered the Ram Temple complex through Gate D1. One of the young men allegedly sat down to offer namaz near Sita Rasoi, located approximately 200 metres from the main temple, before being taken into custody by police.
One of the girls has reportedly been identified as Sofia. The identity of the third individual has not been disclosed. The young men were reportedly wearing traditional Kashmiri attire.
People present at the scene claimed that the individuals began raising slogans after being stopped by security personnel. Some reports citing sources also alleged that the man detained earlier raised slogans when confronted. However, officials noted that these claims have not been officially confirmed.
Security personnel noticed the alleged actions and intervened immediately, detaining the individual(s) before handing them over to local police for questioning.
During preliminary checks, police reportedly recovered items such as cashews and raisins from one of the detained individuals. Sources said the man told investigators that he was travelling to Ajmer, though this claim is being verified.
Ayodhya is preparing for Makar Sankranti celebrations next week, which are expected to draw massive crowds at Ram Mandir.
The Special Security Force (SSF) is currently responsible for the security of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex and the temple. Officials said that around 200 personnel have been deployed to safeguard the premises.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
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