In a concerning development, a 21-year-old man identified as Intekhab Alam from Bihar’s Araria district has been apprehended for allegedly threatening to “blow up” the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The arrest follows Alam posing as an aide of notorious underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim during a call to the police emergency helpline (112) on January 19.
Araria Superintendent of Police, Ashok Kumar Singh, revealed that Alam, taken into custody from his residence in Balua Kaliyaganj, displayed signs of mental instability. Despite having no previous criminal record, the sensitive nature of the threat prompted law enforcement to register a case in the matter and seize Alam’s phone for further investigation.
The incident unfolded when Alam, under the guise of being Chhota Shakeel, a purported associate of Dawood Ibrahim, called the police and issued a threat to “blow up” the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. Given the significance of the impending ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) ceremony scheduled for that day, authorities are treating the threat with utmost seriousness.
Security measures surrounding the Ram Temple event were already anticipated to be stringent, with over 7,000 individuals, including politicians, businessmen, celebrities, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected to attend the grand ceremony. The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony is a momentous occasion marking the consecration of the Ram Temple, and the threat has raised concerns about the safety and security of the event.
As part of the investigative process, the police have shared details of Alam’s call with the cyber cell. Preliminary findings indicate that the mobile number used to make the threatening call is registered in the name of Alam’s father. The ongoing investigation will delve into the motives behind the threat, evaluating whether it was an isolated incident or if there are broader implications.
The incident comes at a time when the nation is preparing for the significant event in Ayodhya, with heightened security measures likely to be implemented to ensure the safety of all participants. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to perform the rituals at the Ram Temple during the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony, which is of immense religious and cultural significance. Authorities will remain vigilant to prevent any untoward incidents and guarantee the smooth conduct of the ceremony.
Dhairya Saraswat