Shopian Man Detained at Ram Mandir, Police Visit Family Home, Family Says Detained Kashmiri Man Is Mentally Unsound
Shopain, Jan 11, KNT: A day after a Kashmiri man was detained at the Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh, local police visited his residence in Shopian district of south Kashmir to ascertain facts related to his background and mental condition.
The man has been identified as Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh of Shopian. During the visit, family members and neighbours informed the police team that Sheikh is mentally unsound and may have mistaken the Ram Mandir for a mosque, leading him to attempt to offer Namaz in the temple premises.
Family members told the police that Sheikh frequently leaves his house without informing anyone and roams from place to place despite repeated efforts by relatives to restrict his movement and ensure his safety. Neighbours also supported the family’s account and stated that the man has been suffering from mental health issues for a long time.
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Police sources said the team recorded statements of family members and neighbours during the visit. These statements have been submitted to higher authorities for further review. The family also produced medical prescriptions and related documents before the police, indicating Sheikh’s mental instability and treatment history.
Officials said the visit was aimed at verifying factual details following Sheikh’s detention in Uttar Pradesh and placing his background on official record.
Notably, the Uttar Pradesh Police on Saturday claimed that it detained a man from Kashmir at the Ram Mandir after he attempted to offer Namaz within the high security temple premises.
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According to Uttar Pradesh Police, the individual, described as a 55-year-old from Shopian district of south Kashmir, entered the temple complex as a visitor during the day. After paying obeisance at the shrine, he reportedly moved towards the Sita Rasoi area, where his actions attracted the attention of security personnel deployed at the site, leading to his detention.
Further action in the matter is awaited from the concerned authorities. [KNT]
