AYODHYA – High-security protocols at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex were put to the test on Saturday, January 10, 2026, after a man from Jammu and Kashmir was detained for allegedly attempting to offer namaz (Islamic prayer) inside the temple premises. The individual, identified as Ahad Sheikh (also referred to in records as Ab Ahad Sheikh), a 55-year-old resident of Shopian, was taken into custody near the Sita Rasoi area.
The incident has triggered a swift review of security arrangements by the Uttar Pradesh police and central intelligence agencies, especially as the town prepares for the upcoming Makar Sankranti festivities.
1. The Sequence of Events
According to Superintendent of Police (Security) Balramchari Dubey, the breach occurred during the afternoon hours:
- Entry: Sheikh entered the complex through Gate D1, reportedly posing as a regular devotee. Officials noted that while security checks are conducted, ID verification is not currently mandatory for all entry points.
- The Act: After visiting the shrine, Sheikh sat near the Sita Rasoi area—approximately 200 meters from the main temple—and spread a cloth to begin his prayers.
- Intervention: Alert security personnel and onlookers immediately intervened. Witnesses alleged that as he was being stopped, Sheikh began shouting religious slogans, which led to a brief commotion before he was neutralized and handed over to the local police.
2. Family’s Defense: Mentally Ill and “Unsound”
In Shopian, Sheikh’s family expressed shock over the incident, asserting that he has been suffering from chronic mental health issues for years.
- Medical Evidence: His son, Imran, provided medical records from the psychiatry department of Srinagar Medical College to prove his father’s condition. “We didn’t know he was in Ayodhya. He is totally unsound and has been under treatment,” Imran told reporters.
- Possessions: At the time of his detention, police found only small quantities of cashews and raisins in his bag. Sheikh reportedly told investigators he was a shawl seller headed for Ajmer, though it remains unclear why he detoured to Ayodhya.
3. Heightened Vigilance and Investigation
The UP administration has taken the matter seriously, deploying Black Commandos and additional units to all entry gates of the temple.
| Aspect | Status/Detail |
| Suspect Status | Currently being questioned at a police control room in Ayodhya. |
| Security Response | Total review of surveillance; identity checks may become mandatory for entry. |
| Intelligence Probe | Probing potential links to a group of 10 Kashmiri shawl sellers spotted in the area. |
| Official Stance | The Ram Temple Trust and District Administration have so far declined formal comment. |
4. Context: A Town on High Alert
Ayodhya is currently under a “fortress-like” security cover as it approaches the second anniversary of the temple’s consecration (Pran Pratishtha) on January 22. Recent directives have also seen a ban on non-vegetarian food in the “Ayodhya Dham” area, reflecting the administration’s move toward heightened religious sensitivity and regulation.