A 55 year old man from J&K was detained after attempting to offer namaz inside Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir, raising fresh questions about temple security.
Security personnel at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir manage the site after a man was detained for trying to offer namaz inside the complex (Photo: X)
Ayodhya Ram Mandir: On 10 January, 2026, a major security breach at the Ram Mandir located at Ayodhya, a 55-year-old man hailing from Shopian in Jammu & Kashmir was arrested after he allegedly attempted to perform prayers or ‘namaz’ at the site. This particular event has led to nationwide coverage, not only considering its sensitivity but also with concerns about how such a breach of security could be possible at such a site.
The arrested man has been identified as Ahmed Sheikh, who is a resident of the Shopian district in the Jammu & Kashmir area. He allegedly entered the perimeter of the Ram Mandir and was trying to perform his namaz in the Sita Rasoi, as per the police. However, his family has claimed that he has not been in the right state of mind and has documentation of his earlier instances of mental instability. "We were not aware of his trip to Ayodhya. He has a tendency to wander off like this sometimes because of his condition," he said.
The complex is demarcated as a highly secure zone. The responsibility of the security of the complex lies in the hands of specially trained forces and different levels of observation. Nonetheless, Sheikh managed to enter the complex through one of the gates, which has in turn, triggered suspicions of loopholes in the observation process carried out there. An investigation has been initiated to determine the procedure followed by Sheikh to access the secure zone in the complex.
Preliminary investigations carried out after the detention have revealed the possession of goods such as cashew nuts and raisins. He reportedly told the investigators that he was on his way to Ajmer, although this information is being verified.
During initial interrogations, Sheikh reportedly told the police that he wanted to go to Ajmer in Rajasthan, a major pilgrimage destination. This aspect is being investigated as part of the general investigation into his movements and possible motives. The police investigate his travel history, question him to know whether anybody was involved with him, and assess whether this incident is part of an isolated or a bigger problem.
Although the incident at Ayodhya is the first in its kind in the context, other religious spots in India have also been witnessing security and handling-related issues. At the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, the emphasis has been on controlling the flow of the mass and improving the security mechanisms in place, with the addition of hundreds of CCTV cameras among others.
The type of challenges experienced is also different. While Sabarimala faces greater logistics issues related to large numbers of devotees and how to restrict entry with counterfeit documents, Ayodhya faces challenges related to security on the periphery and inside a significant religious site.
After being intercepted by the temple’s security members, Sheikh was handed over to the Ayodhya police to be questioned. The intent of his operation and whether he has any connections with other people are being investigated by investigating and intelligence agencies. The authorities have not made any official charges nor revealed a motive behind his actions.
This is an incident that happened at a very sensitive time for the town of Ayodhya, which is preparing for big celebrations and is still receiving thousands of devotees every day. It is expected that the authorities reaction and criminal investigations into what happened will influence what security arrangements are needed in this prominent Indian religio-cultural site.
Makar Sankranti at Ram Mandir, Ayodhya is celebrated with special prayers, rituals and gatherings, attracting thousands of devotees who take part in festivities and holy offerings. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex is being secured by about 200 Special Security Force (SSF) personnel.
