Kashmiri man detained in Ram Mandir, released after checks

A Kashmiri man detained for allegedly attempting to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya was handed over to his family after medical records showed he was mentally ill

Ayodhya (UP): Police on Sunday handed over a Kashmiri man, who was detained for allegedly attempting to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex here, to his family members after they produced medical records showing that he was mentally ill, officials said.

Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir, was detained on Saturday after security personnel noticed him allegedly preparing to offer namaz within the temple premises.

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Superintendent of Police (City) Chakrapani Tripathi said Sheikh’s family reached Ayodhya on Saturday evening and informed the police that he was suffering from mental illness.

They also submitted medical documents in support of their claim, following which he was handed over to them, the police officer said.

As part of the investigation into Sheikh’s act, some Kashmiri youths selling shawls in Ayodhya were also questioned, Tripathi said.

“No objectionable items were found in their possession. Their addresses were verified and they were subsequently released along with their belongings,” he said.

Senior police officials said security agencies remain alert, though no further action is being taken in the matter.