Kashmiri man detained for attempting namaz at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya​

A man from Kashmir was detained after he allegedly tried to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on Friday, officials said.

​The man, identified as Ahmed Sheikh, is 55 years old and lives in the Shopian district of Kashmir. Officials said he entered the temple like a normal visitor. Later, security staff saw him sitting near the Sita Rasoi area, where he was reportedly preparing to pray.​

A security person stopped him immediately and handed him over to the local police. Some reports said the man raised slogans when he was stopped, but police said this has not been confirmed yet.

Police and intelligence officers are questioning him to understand why he did this and why he came to Ayodhya. They are also checking his travel details. During checking, police found cashews and raisins with him. The man reportedly told police that he was travelling to Ajmer.​

Senior officers are reviewing security at the Ram Mandir. The district administration and Ram Temple Trust have not commented on the incident.

The incident happened at a time when Ayodhya was preparing for Makar Sankranti, when a large crowd was  expected. Security has already been increased at the Ram Temple.

Ram Mandir consecration anniversary on January 22 is also next.