Bihar man threatens to "blow up" Ayodhya's Ram temple, arrested

File Photo/PTI

A 21-year-old individual from Araria district in Bihar has been apprehended for making a threatening call to the police, claiming he would "blow up" the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The day is scheduled to mark the Ram temple consecration.

The suspect, identified as Intekhab Alam, was taken into custody from his residence in Balua Kaliyaganj, Palasi police station area, late on Saturday, Superintendent of Police of Araria, Ashok Kumar Singh said.

Allegedly using the name "Chhota Shakeel" and asserting to be an associate of Dawood Ibrahim, Alam had dialed the emergency helpline number 112 on January 19 to convey his threat. Superintendent Singh mentioned that despite lacking a criminal record, Alam appeared to be mentally unstable.

Due to the sensitivity of the matter, a case has been registered at Palasi police station, and the suspect's mobile phone has been confiscated by the police. Singh explained that information about the call was promptly shared with the cyber cell, which discovered that the mobile number used belonged to Alam's father.

With the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya scheduled for January 22, authorities are treating the matter seriously, emphasizing the need for swift action in such cases.

Meanwhile, a multi-level security cover and extensive CCTV surveillance have been put in place at prominent temples and different markets of the national capital for celebrations to mark the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, Delhi police officials said on Sunday.

"No one will be allowed to breach law and order. Multi-level security checkpoints have been put up at temples and markets. The night patrolling staffers are directed to check hotels, guest houses, and dharamshalas," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast) Joy Tirkey.

The 'Pran Pratishtha' of the Ram temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh will be held on Monday.

Tirkey said members of temple trusts were called for a meeting on Sunday to review the security measures.

"Several temples like Prachin Hanuman Mandir, Jhandewalan Mandir, Birla Mandir and Kalka Ji temple will celebrate the 'Pran Pratishtha'. We are expecting high footfall at these temples. Paramilitary forces will also be deployed and will be on standby for any situation," the officer said.

The DCP added that police teams visited the temples to check the security measures in place.

"The major temples here have CCTV cameras installed. Teams from Delhi police will keep strict vigil from the control room of the temples to maintain law and order. Strict action will be ensured against those who do not comply with the orders," said the officer.

Different markets of Delhi like Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar, Chawri Bazaar, Khari Baoli, Kashmiri Gate, Naya Bazaar, Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Bhagirath Place, Kinari Bazaar and several others -- big or small -- are making arrangements to celebrate the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony.

The Delhi police have already stepped up security measures for the Republic Day celebrations.

A senior officer said the Delhi Police is "keeping an extra vigil in sensitive areas" and "using drones to monitor security".

More than 8,000 police personnel have already been deployed in Delhi for the January 22 event and Republic Day parade, officials had earlier said.