A peculiar and concerning case of theft has recently emerged in Ayodhya, involving the alleged disappearance of approximately 3,800 bamboo lights and 36 projector lights, valued at over Rs 50 lakh. These lights were installed as part of a significant refurbishment project ahead of the highly anticipated Ram Mandir pran pratishtha ceremony on January 22.
The Alleged Theft
The theft was brought to the attention of the authorities when a representative from the firm Yash Enterprises and Krishna Automobiles, which had installed the lights under a contract with the Ayodhya Development Authority, filed a complaint on August 9, 2024, at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station. According to the complaint, the firm had initially installed 6,400 bamboo lights along Rampath and 96 projector lights along Bhakti Path. By March 19, 2024, all the lights were accounted for. However, during a subsequent inspection on May 9, it was discovered that some of the lights were missing.
The complaint, lodged by Shekhar Sharma, a representative of the firm, detailed that by the time the theft was identified, around 3,800 bamboo lights and 36 projector lights had been stolen. Despite the discovery of the theft in May, the firm delayed reporting the incident to the police until August 9.
“Till 19 March, all the lights were there but after an inspection on May 9, it was found that some lights were missing. Till now around 3,800 bamboo lights and 36 projector lights have been stolen by some unknown thieves,” said Shekhar Sharma.
Commissioner Gaurav Dayal’s Statement
The situation took a new turn when Commissioner Gaurav Dayal expressed scepticism regarding the scale of the theft. In a statement, Commissioner Dayal said, “The contractor has informed that fancy bamboo lights have been stolen from the trees. It is not possible that such a large quantity of lights can be stolen since there are police patrolling day and night in Ayodhya. As per the initial information, we did not put such a large number of lights as it has been informed that around 3,600 lights have been stolen. Still, we are going to investigate this…”
#WATCH | Ayodhya, UP: On fancy lights theft in Ayodhya, Commissioner Gaurav Dayal, says “The contractor has informed that fancy bamboo lights have been stolen from the trees. It is not possible that such a large quantity of lights can be stolen since there are police patrolling… pic.twitter.com/reUVAwDTMo
— ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2024
He also raised concerns about the accuracy of the reported numbers, suggesting that the actual quantity of installed lights may have been significantly lower.
This statement has added a layer of complexity to the case, suggesting that there may be discrepancies between the reported theft and the actual number of lights installed. The commissioner’s remarks imply that the reported figures might be exaggerated, and the ongoing investigation aims to uncover the truth.
Security Concerns and the Role of Police
The high-security zones of Bhakti Path and Ram Path are routinely patrolled by police, making the large-scale theft seem improbable. The local police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the matter, focusing on verifying the claims made in the complaint and determining how the theft could have occurred under such tight security.
In response to the FIR, Ayodhya Police confirmed via their official social media handle, “In the above case, an e-FIR has been registered by the complainant against unknown persons. The investigation into the facts is ongoing.”
Bhakti Path: A Significant Cultural Landmark
The alleged theft is particularly concerning given the importance of the Bhakti Path, a key roadway in Ayodhya that connects several of the city’s most revered religious sites, including Shringar Ghat, Hanuman Garhi, and the Ram Mandir. The 742-meter stretch is known for its unique aesthetic, with homes and businesses painted in a unifying saffron hue. This path is not just a physical route but also a symbol of the spiritual and cultural richness of Ayodhya, making the theft of these lights an affront to the city’s heritage.
