Ayodhya

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 after medical records showed that he was suffering from mental illness, officials said.

The man, identified as 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.

Superintendent of Police (City) Chakrapani Tripathi said Sheikh’s family arrived in Ayodhya on Saturday evening and informed the police that he had a history of mental illness.

“They submitted medical documents in support of their claim. After verification, he was handed over to his family,” the officer said.

As part of the investigation, police also questioned some Kashmiri youths who were selling shawls in Ayodhya, Tripathi said. “No objectionable items were found in their possession. Their addresses were verified and they were subsequently released along with their belongings,” he added.

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