A drone flying amidst the crowd in the Ram temple complex in Ayodhya was brought down by the security forces. The drone had reached Gate No. 3 on Monday evening, at a time when there was a large crowd present to see Ram Lalla.
According to sources, the anti-drone system shot down the drone. Following this, security personnel became alert, and a bomb squad team was called in to examine the drone.
The individual responsible for flying the drone is currently being searched for. The Ayodhya police suspect that this could be part of a conspiracy to cause a stampede, as flying drones in the Ram temple area is strictly prohibited.
Even airplanes are not allowed to fly over the temple. An FIR has been filed by the police, stating that this could be an attempt to carry out subversive activities.
Ayodhya’s Katra Chowki Incharge, Sunil Kumar, has filed an FIR at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station. The FIR mentions that, on February 17 at 7 pm, an unknown person deliberately dropped the drone camera while flying it in the restricted area near the duty point and batching plant in the Ram temple complex.
The report suggests that the drone may have been brought down due to the large number of devotees present in the temple premises, possibly with the intention of causing a stampede and resulting in loss of life. This is particularly concerning during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, which has seen a large influx of devotees to Ayodhya.
Meanwhile, Circle Officer of Ayodhya, Ashutosh Tiwari, stated that the drone may have been related to a wedding ceremony nearby. The anti-drone system at the Ram temple pulls in any flying drone within a radius of two and a half kilometres. The situation is currently under investigation. It should be noted that drones are banned in and around the Ram temple, and permission must be obtained from the administration to fly one. Even aircraft are prohibited from flying over the temple.
The Special Security Force (SSF) is responsible for the temple’s security, with 200 jawans deployed for the task.
Since the consecration of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024, around 1.5 lakh devotees visit the temple daily. There are also concerns regarding potential terrorist attacks on the temple.
In response, preparations are underway to set up an NSG hub to enhance the security of Ayodhya. This unit will be equipped with special weapons and anti-drone technology.
An integrated control centre is also being built in the temple complex at a cost of Rs 11 crore, with seating arrangements for the police, CRPF, SSF, and intelligence organisations.
