Kashmir Man Detained in Ayodhya Ram Mandir for Attempting Namaz, Shouting Slogans; Family Cites Mental Illness
On Saturday, a 55-year-old Jammu and Kashmir man was detained after he reportedly tried to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) January 10: A man from Kashmir was taken into custody after he allegedly tried to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya and shouted slogans when stopped, according to officials.
Ahmed Sheikh's Entry and Attempt Near Sita Rasoi
The person, sources said, was named Ahmed Sheikh, and was from Shopian district in Kashmir. Officials say the 55-year old man entered the high-security temple site on Friday and then sat near the Sita Rasoi area after visiting it, where he was reportedly ready to offer namaz.
The security guards saw his face and immediately intervened. Temple security guards arrested him and brought him to local police for questioning.
Family Reveals Mental Health Records
A few reports said that the man allegedly yelled slogans when the authorities stopped him. But his family said that Sheikh was mentally ill and shared medical records from Srinagar Medical College psychiatry department to prove their point.
His son Imran told reporters at their house in Shopian that the family had no knowledge of Sheikh’s visit to Ayodhya. Imran said his father doesn't stay home much and often leaves without letting the family know.
Travel to Ajmer, Cashews Found, No Accomplices Suspected
Investigators have been interrogating Sheikh to determine his motives and confirming his travel information (when and for whom he was visiting Ayodhya, as well as if anyone else was involved).
On initial investigation, they found the man had been carrying cashews and raisins, the police sources said, pointing out that the man had told investigators he was going to Ajmer.
Probe Intensifies Ahead of Makar Sankranti Rush
The Ram Mandir complex was also being reviewed by senior police officers and intelligence agencies after the incident. The district administration of Ayodhya and the Ram temple trust have so far declined to comment.
The incident comes as Ayodhya is preparing for Makar Sankranti celebrations next week, which are set to attract a massive crowd. In this way, more security measures on the town of the temple city have been developed. It came a short period before the second anniversary of Ram's consecration ceremony on January 22.
