Security arrangements at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple complex came under focus on Saturday after personnel detained a man who allegedly attempted to offer namaz within the restricted premises. The individual was intercepted by security staff in the southern section of the complex, close to the Sita Rasoi area, prompting immediate questioning by multiple agencies.

According to officials familiar with the incident, the man entered the temple complex through one of the designated entry gates while wearing traditional Kashmiri attire. He was later identified as Ahmed Sheikh, a 55-year-old resident of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir. Security personnel reportedly stopped him after noticing unusual behaviour, following which slogans linked to a particular community were allegedly raised, escalating concerns.

The individual was taken into custody for interrogation to determine intent and whether the act was planned or linked to any broader security threat. Authorities are examining how he managed to reach a sensitive area of the temple complex despite strict surveillance and layered security checks.

So far, no formal statement has been issued by the district administration or the Ram Temple Trust regarding the incident. However, officials indicated that standard security protocols were followed and the situation was brought under control without any disruption to devotees.

Separately, the local administration has stepped up enforcement of existing restrictions around the temple zone. Officials have reiterated a ban on the sale and delivery of non-vegetarian food within a 15-kilometre radius of the Ram Temple. Hotels, guest houses and homestays have been warned against serving non-vegetarian food or alcohol to visitors in the area.

Assistant Food Commissioner Manik Chandra Singh said action was taken after complaints surfaced that some establishments were bypassing rules, including through online food delivery services. He confirmed that food businesses and delivery platforms were officially informed of the ban earlier this week and warned that violations would invite strict penalties. Continuous monitoring, he added, is being carried out to ensure compliance.