Ram Temple Inauguration: After Reports Of Cybercrime, MHA Sends Special Team To Ayodhya

The initiative responds to alerts issued by the Union Home Ministry's cybersecurity wing, cautioning the public about the presence of "malicious mobile applications."

In preparation for the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has dispatched a specialised team to tackle potential cyber threats. As reported by ANI, this joint team comprises officials from the MHA's Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), and experts specialising in cyber-related matters.

The initiative responds to alerts issued by the Union Home Ministry's cybersecurity wing, cautioning the public about the presence of "malicious mobile applications." These applications, allegedly distributed via WhatsApp by cybercriminals, pertain to VIP access to the Ayodhya temple. Earlier this month, a cybersecurity alert emphasised the need for vigilance, stating, "Be cautious of a cybercrime alert! There's a trend of sending malicious mobile applications (APK) or forms related to VIP entry to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya through WhatsApp or advertisements. These could compromise your device and lead to cybercrime fraud."

Officials are actively monitoring the activities of cybercriminals leading up to the significant event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who declared that the entire world awaits the historic Ram Temple consecration ceremony, initiated an 11-day 'anusthan' (special ritual) in preparation for the inauguration on January 22.

The ceremony will witness the presence of Prime Minister Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other dignitaries. Invitations have been extended to thousands of seers from various parts of the country, including the families of the labourers involved in the construction of the Ram Temple. The guest list, exceeding 7,000 individuals, encompasses participants from diverse fields such as Bollywood celebrities, cricketers, and industrialists.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, the temple trust, extended invitations to office-bearers, religious leaders, and even invited the Prime Minister to attend the event. Notably, Prime Minister Modi had laid the foundation stone for the Ram Temple on August 5, 2020.