Ayodhya: A middle-aged man was taken into custody after he allegedly tried to offer namaz at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. The 55-year-old has been identified as Ahmed Sheikh. He is a resident of Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district.

The man reportedly sat near Sita Rasoi

As per the police, the man allegedly entered the temple on Friday. After entering the premises, he allegedly sat near Sita Rasoi and started getting ready to offer Namaz.

The security forces detained him after he was noticed by them The man was later handed over to the police for questioning. According to some sources, the man allegedly shouted slogans when taken into custody, India Today reported. However, the claim has not yet been confirmed officially.

Intelligence agencies, police immediately alerted

Soon after the incident, the intelligence agencies, local police, and senior administrative officials were immediately alerted. After taking him in custody, the police have started interrogating him. A thorough investigation is underway to determine the motive behind his actions.

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During the initial probe, he was found to be carrying items like as cashews and raisins at the temple. The man, it is believed, he told the police that he was on his way to Ajmer. After the incident, the security officials and intelligence agencies have also started checking the security arrangements at the temple. The officials have so far declined to comment on the incident.

Number of devotees to increase during Makar Sankranti

The incident took place just days before the Makar Sankranti celebrations in the coming days. A huge number of tourists are expected to reach Ayodhya during the said period, which has also led to high security arrangements across the holy city. The incident also occurred days before the Ram Mandir is all set to celebrate its second anniversary of Ram Temple consecration, which will take place on January 22.