Plans for Enhanced Security with NSG Hub and Anti-Drone Measures in Ayodhya
Drone Over Ayodhya Ram Mandir Destroyed Amid Suspicion of Disruption Plot
Ayodhya, February 17, 2024 – A drone hovering over the Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya was destroyed by the temple’s anti-drone system on Monday evening, as a large crowd gathered for the darshan of Ram Lalla.
According to sources, the anti-drone system successfully neutralized the drone. Security teams were immediately alerted, and a bomb squad was deployed to inspect the drone. Authorities are now investigating the identity of the person controlling the drone.
Authorities Suspect Plot to Create Panic
Ayodhya police suspect that the drone incident may have been an attempt to create panic, as flying drones is strictly prohibited in the Ram Mandir area. No aircraft, including drones, are allowed over the temple grounds.
FIR Filed in Connection with Drone Incident
Sunil Kumar, the officer in charge of Katra Chowki in Ayodhya, filed an FIR at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station. In his complaint, he stated that on February 17, around 7 PM, an unknown individual flew a drone into the restricted area near the duty point and batching plant and deliberately brought it down. The police suspect the drone was intended to cause chaos due to the large crowd at the temple, particularly as many devotees are arriving for the ongoing Maha Kumbh event.
Anti-Drone System Prevents Potential Incident
Ashutosh Tiwari, Chief Inspector of Ayodhya, speculated that the drone might be connected to a nearby wedding event. The temple’s anti-drone system is capable of neutralizing any drone within a 2.5 km radius. An investigation is ongoing to determine further details about the incident.
Drone Ban in Place Around Ram Mandir
Drone operations are banned within the Ram Mandir vicinity, and any drone flights require prior approval from authorities. The temple’s airspace is also closed to aircraft. The security of the temple is handled by the Special Security Force (SSF), which has 200 personnel dedicated to safeguarding the area.
NSG Hub Planned for Enhanced Security in Ayodhya
To address growing security concerns, including threats of terrorist attacks, plans are underway to set up a National Security Guard (NSG) hub in Ayodhya. The NSG unit will be equipped with specialized weapons and anti-drone technology to ensure the temple’s protection. Additionally, a state-of-the-art integrated control center is under construction at a cost of ₹11 crore, which will coordinate security efforts between police, CRPF, SSF, and intelligence agencies.
Past Bomb Threats Against Ram Mandir
August 22, 2024 – A WhatsApp message threatened to destroy the Ram Mandir using 4000 kg of RDX. The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested Mohammad Maksood from Bhagalpur, Bihar, in connection with the threat.
May 28, 2024 – A 16-year-old boy from Kushinagar issued a threat to blow up the temple. After a thorough investigation, the boy was detained and found to be mentally unstable.
November 11, 2024 – Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, leader of the Khalistani group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), threatened to bomb the Ram Mandir, claiming they would destabilize the birthplace of Hindutva.
