Security personnel conduct checks near Ram mandir on Saturday

AYODHYA/LUCKNOW: A 55-year-old man from Kashmir entered the Ram temple in Ayodhya and attempted to offer namaz near a restricted area on Saturday evening, sending security posted at the complex into a tizzy. The person, identified as Abu Ahmad Sheikh (55), was detained as he was trying to offer namaz near the southern circumambulatory corridor of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, close to Sita Rasoi. Sheikh is a resident of Wodapora village in J&K’s Shopian district. Officials said he had completed darshan and was exiting the premises when security personnel noticed his actions and immediately restrained him. Sources said the man raised slogans after being stopped, following which intelligence agencies and police swung into action. He was taken to the Ram Janmabhoomi police outpost, and was being questioned under the supervision of SP (security) Balramachari Dubey. Ayodhya SSP Gaurav Grover said the man’s antecedents were being verified and a detailed report had been sought from J&K Police. No suspicious object was recovered from him, Grover said. The district administration and the Ram Temple Trust had not issued any statement till late evening. The incident inside the high-security temple complex has brought Ayodhya’s security architecture under sharp focus. Several former DGPs TOI spoke to said the shrine’s protection must remain uncompromising and should be constantly evolving in view of its religious significance, high footfalls and rising threat perception. Since the consecration of Ram Lalla, around 1.5 lakh devotees have been visiting the shrine daily on an average. In view of repeated threats and high footfall at the complex, the state is planning a permanent NSG hub in Ayodhya to strengthen rapid response to terror threats and high-risk situations.