Three detained for alleged security breach at Ayodhya Ram Temple complex; investigations underway

Ayodhya :In a significant security-related incident at the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya, security forces detained two men and a woman after they were allegedly found engaging in religious activities in violation of strict security protocols. According to official sources, one of the detained individuals attempted to offer namaz near the high-security temple premises, raising immediate concerns among security agencies.

Sources said the incident occurred on Saturday morning when security personnel noticed suspicious movement near the southern wall of the Ram Temple complex. One of the men, identified as a youth of Kashmiri origin, allegedly attempted to sit near the Sita Rasoi area—approximately 200 metres away from the main shrine—to offer namaz. Eyewitnesses claimed that when security personnel intervened, the individuals began raising slogans, prompting swift action by the forces deployed at the site.

Following the incident, security agencies immediately detained the three individuals and intensified surveillance in and around the temple complex. Intelligence agencies, local police and senior administrative officials rushed to the spot and initiated a detailed inquiry. The detained youth is being questioned extensively to ascertain his intentions, background and whether the act was a deliberate provocation or an isolated incident.

According to preliminary information, one of the detained men has been identified as Abu Ahmad Sheikh, a resident of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir. The woman has been identified as Sofia, while the identity of the third individual has not yet been officially disclosed. Sources said all three were wearing Kashmiri-style attire at the time of the incident.

Despite the seriousness of the matter, the district administration has so far refrained from issuing an official statement. The Ram Temple Trust has also maintained silence, citing the sensitivity of the issue. Officials indicated that the lack of immediate public comment was aimed at preventing the spread of rumours and maintaining law and order in the temple town.

Security agencies stressed that Ayodhya remains under a multi-layered security cover and that any attempt to breach established norms will be dealt with strictly. “Every aspect of the incident is being examined carefully. No conclusions will be drawn until the investigation is complete,” a senior official said.

Meanwhile, the incident comes amid heightened restrictions in and around the Ram Temple complex. The Ayodhya administration has imposed a complete ban on the sale and home delivery of non-vegetarian food within a 15-kilometre radius of the temple premises. Authorities said the move was aimed at preserving religious sentiments and maintaining the sanctity of the area.

Administrative sources revealed that complaints had been received regarding online food delivery platforms supplying non-vegetarian food within the Panchkosi Parikrama zone. Following these complaints, officials decided to strictly enforce a ban on online home delivery services in the restricted area. Several hotels and homestays were also found to be supplying non-vegetarian food and liquor to guests, prompting the administration to issue stern warnings and threaten action against violators.

In addition, the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation has resolved to prohibit the sale of meat and liquor along the 14-kilometre Ram Path connecting Ayodhya and Faizabad. While authorities claim that meat shops have been successfully removed from the stretch, local residents allege that several liquor outlets continue to operate. Municipal officials clarified that action against liquor shops requires district-level approval, leading to delays in enforcement.

As investigations into the security breach continue, authorities remain on high alert, reiterating their commitment to ensuring the safety and sanctity of the Ram Temple complex.