In a significant theft in Ayodhya’s high-security zone, around 3,800 bamboo lights and 36 projector lights worth over ₹50 lakh were reportedly stolen from Bhakti Path and Ram Path, police confirmed on Tuesday. The lights had been installed as part of a major refurbishment project in preparation for the Ram temple consecration ceremony scheduled for January 22.
The theft was discovered by Yash Enterprises and Krishna Automobiles, the firm contracted by the Ayodhya Development Authority to install the lights. According to the complaint filed by Shekhar Sharma, a representative of the firm, 6,400 bamboo lights were originally installed on Ram Path and 96 projector lights on Bhakti Path. While all lights were accounted for as of March 19, an inspection on May 9 revealed the disappearance of a significant number of lights.
Despite becoming aware of the theft in May, the firm officially lodged a complaint with the Ram Janmabhoomi police station on August 9. Following the complaint, an FIR was registered, and authorities have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the theft.
The stolen lights were part of a larger effort to enhance the holy city’s infrastructure in anticipation of the Ram temple’s grand inauguration, a highly anticipated event that has drawn significant national attention. The theft in such a high-security area raises concerns about security measures and the effectiveness of surveillance in Ayodhya as preparations for the ceremony continue.