Kashmiri man detained at Ram Mandir: 'Attempted' to offer namaz; family claims mental illness

NEW DELHI: A 55-year-old man from Jammu and Kashmir was detained on Saturday after he allegedly attempted to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya and raised slogans when stopped, Uttar Pradesh police said.The man was identified as Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, according to Superintendent of Police (Security) Balramchari Dubey. Officials said Sheikh entered the temple premises during the day, visited the shrine and later sat near the Sita Rasoi area, allegedly preparing to offer namaz.Security personnel noticed his actions and intervened immediately, following which he was detained by temple security staff and handed over to the local police. Some sources claimed that the man raised slogans when he was stopped, police said, adding that the allegation was being verified. Police said Sheikh’s family has claimed that he is mentally ill and provided medical records from the psychiatry department of Srinagar Medical College. His son, Imran, told reporters at their residence in Shopian that the family had no knowledge of Sheikh’s visit to Ayodhya.“We didn’t know anything about it. He is totally unsound,” Imran said.Imran said his father does not stay at home for long and often leaves without informing the family. “He had visited his in-laws’ place five to six days ago. He keeps leaving and does not stay at home,” he said, adding that his father frequently visits mosques.Neighbours in Shopian said Sheikh has been undergoing treatment and taking medication. “Had he been of sound mind, he would not have prayed inside a temple. He would have known it is a temple. He often leaves home like this. He doesn’t understand that he has a family to care for,” a neighbour said.Investigators are questioning Sheikh to ascertain his intent and are verifying his travel details, including the purpose of his visit to Ayodhya and whether anyone else was involved. Police sources said that during preliminary checks, items such as cashews and raisins were found in his possession, and that the man told investigators he was travelling to Ajmer.Senior police officers and intelligence agencies are also reviewing security arrangements at the Ram Mandir complex following the incident. The Ayodhya district administration and the Ram temple trust have so far declined to comment.