In a significant security breach, more than 4,000 lights installed on the Bhakti Path and Ram Path in Ayodhya, a high-security area, were reportedly stolen. According to police reports, 3,800 bamboo lights and 36 projector lights, valued at over ₹50 lakh, were taken from the site. The lights were part of a larger installation project undertaken as part of Ayodhya’s refurbishment efforts in preparation for the Ram temple consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22, 2024.
The theft was discovered after an inspection on May 9, when the firm responsible for the installation, Yash Enterprises and Krishna Automobiles, noticed the missing lights. However, the complaint was not lodged until August 9, nearly three months after the initial discovery. The company had been awarded the contract by the Ayodhya Development Authority to install a total of 6,400 bamboo lights on Ram Path and 96 projector lights on Bhakti Path. As of March 19, all lights were reportedly in place, but by May 9, a significant number were missing.
Shekhar Sharma, a representative of the firm, filed the complaint at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station, expressing concern over the missing lights and the breach in security. The stolen lights were installed in areas that are considered to be under high security, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current measures in place to safeguard such valuable infrastructure.
The police have registered an FIR and initiated an investigation into the matter. Given the high-profile nature of the area, the theft has sparked concerns about the security arrangements in Ayodhya, especially with the upcoming Ram temple ceremony. Authorities are under pressure to solve the case quickly and ensure that no further incidents occur. The Ayodhya Development Authority and local police are working together to trace the culprits and recover the stolen items. This incident highlights the need for enhanced security measures, especially in areas undergoing significant development and public attention.
