Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Kashmiri man detained in Ayodhya temple complex
A 55-year-old man from Kashmir named Asad Shaikh was arrested in Ayodhya for trying to pray (namaz) in the Ram temple.
He sells dry fruits and travels around India.
His family says he is mentally ill and not aware of his actions.
The police found some dry fruits, a diary, and money on him.
He was seen near the temple's boundary wall and reported to the security.
The police are still investigating and may give him to his family.
Some religious leaders want to ban non-Hindus from the temple.
Asad Shaikh, a 55-year-old Kashmiri dry-fruit seller, was arrested for attempting to offer namaz in the Ram temple complex in Ayodhya.
His family stated that he is mentally ill and under medication, often leaving home without informing them.
Police found cashews, raisins, a diary, and ₹2,700 in his possession; he did not reach the inner security circle of the temple.
The incident prompted demands from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to ban non-Hindus from entering the temple.
The police are investigating and may hand him over to his family after gathering more information.
- Who
- Asad Shaikh, a 55-year-old Kashmiri dry-fruit seller
- What
- Attempted to offer namaz in the Ram temple complex
- When
- Saturday night
- Where
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- Mental illness; not aware of his actions
- Name
- Asad Shaikh
- Age
- 55
- Occupation
- Dry-fruit seller
- Location
- Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
- Incident Date
- Saturday night
- Arrest Date
- Sunday
- Mental Health Status
- Under medication for mental illness
- Items Found
- Cashews, raisins, diary, ₹2,700
