- By Imran Zafar
- Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:03 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
A drone flying over the Ram temple route in Ayodhya was intercepted and shot down by police during a trial of an anti-drone system on Tuesday, officials said. The police have lodged an FIR, calling it a "deep conspiracy" to create chaos at the temple and endanger the lives of devotees.
Authorities have launched an investigation and identified the suspected operator, who is reportedly from Gurugram, Haryana. However, police have refrained from disclosing further details, citing the ongoing probe. A bomb disposal squad examined the drone and confirmed there was no security threat. The case has been registered at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station.
Ayodhya authorities have implemented an anti-drone security mechanism, prohibiting any drone activity over the Ram temple. ''This system can detect drones within a 2.5-kilometre radius. During the drill, security forces intercepted a drone hovering over the temple route,'' a police official said. Intelligence agencies are also monitoring the situation closely.
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The Uttar Pradesh Police had previously deployed the anti-drone system during the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla’s idol at the temple on January 22, 2024. The same technology is being used to provide aerial security at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Few states, including Gujarat, have implemented such advanced security systems.
Notably, with the ongoing Maha Kumbh attracting millions to Prayagraj, Ayodhya has also witnessed a surge in devotees. To manage the influx, the city has been divided into six zones and 11 sectors.
Ayodhya SP Madhuvan Kumar Singh stated that security personnel, including inspectors, deputy inspectors, constables and women police, have been deployed at static points and diversion routes to ensure smooth movement. Holding areas have also been designated for crowd management.