On January 10, 2026, as a young man breached temple protocols, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir security team in Ayodhya went on high alert. The incident took place near the temple complex's southern parapet (perikota), which is closely monitored due to its sensitivity. The man reportedly began offering namaz inside the temple premises.
An act that is strictly prohibited by the rules of the Ram Mandir, eyewitnesses reported. When security personnel approached him, he started chanting slogans, which temporarily created tension among devotees who were at the scene. Security forces rushed in and arrested him immediately to curb the escalation.
The man was identified at the time as Ahmad Sheikh, a Kashmiri youth. His photo was released and he is now being interrogated by senior UP Police and the central intelligence agencies. Investigators are trying to determine both his background and motives, and whether his actions were intentional to stoke communal tensions or simply a personal act.
The incident comes at a moment when Ayodhya is under a heavy security blanket following the second anniversary of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and the recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The temple complex already has layered security, including AI‑enabled cameras, metal detectors, and thousands of SSF and CRPF personnel.
The public reaction has been mixed. Hindu groups in the area have called it a serious security lapse and demand a full inquiry into Sheikh's entrance within the temple zone. The police say they must not fan rumors and maintain order, to ensure the sanctity of the temple remains intact. This incident raises pressing questions: Who is Ahmad Sheikh, and what did he really mean? Investigations are ongoing, while security guards at the Ram Mandir are being reconsidered to prevent any additional breach.
