With the much-anticipated consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir just days away, security concerns have taken centre stage as the Uttar Pradesh Police's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) detained three individuals under suspicious circumstances on Thursday evening.
Officials remained tight-lipped about the specifics, only revealing that the detained individuals were under interrogation and more information would be released on Friday, reported The Indian Express.
UP Police Special Director General was quoted by TIE saying “As part of the checking campaign being conducted on the instructions of the state government and police headquarters, three suspicious persons have been detained by UP-ATS from Ayodhya district."
Kumar emphasized that, as of now, there was no evidence linking the detained individuals to any terrorist organization. He mentioned that the suspects were undergoing interrogation, and no connection with any terrorist organization had been revealed thus far. Further details, he stated, would be disclosed after the completion of the questioning process.
The heightened security measures come in light of the upcoming Ram Mandir consecration ceremony scheduled for Monday, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are expected to participate. The Centre has declared a half-day holiday until 2:30 pm on January 22 to allow its employees to partake in the celebrations.
Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety of the event, with the detainment of the three individuals underscoring the authorities' vigilance in the face of potential threats.