Roads Leading To Ayodhya Ram Mandir Plunge Into Darkness As Streetlights Get Stolen

As many as 3,800 bamboo lights and 36 projector lights installed on Bhakti Path and Ram Path, located in a high-security area in Ayodhya, were allegedly stolen. 

UP News: Around 3,800 bamboo lights out of 6,400 and 36 projector lights worth over Rs 50 lakh installed on Bhakti Path and Ram Path, located in a high-security area in Ayodhya, were allegedly stolen, news agency PTI reported, citing police.

On Tuesday, the police said that an FIR was lodged at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station based on a complaint on August 9 from a representative of the firm—Yash Enterprises and Krishna Automobiles—which set up the lights under a contract awarded by the Ayodhya Development Authority.

"As many as 6,400 bamboo lights were installed on Rampath, and 96 projector lights were installed on Bhakti Path. 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," Shekhar Sharma, a representative of the firm, said in the complaint, as quoted by news agency PTI.

According to the FIR, the firm became aware of the theft in May, but the complaint was filed on August 9. The police said that an FIR has been registered in the matter and a probe is on. Ayodhya was refurbished under a major project ahead of the January 22 Ram temple consecration ceremony in the holy city.