On August 9, an FIR was filed at Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi police station based on a complaint lodged by contactor Shekhar Sharma regarding the theft of 3,800 bamboo lights installed on the trees of Ram Path and 36 gobo projector lights on Bhakti Path, worth over Rs 50 lakh. Shekhar Sharma is a representative of the firm Yash Enterprises and Krishna Automobiles, which set up the lights under a contract awarded by the Ayodhya Development Authority.
According to the FIR, as many as 6,400 bamboo lights were installed on Ram Path and 96 gobo projector lights on Bhakti Path by the firm.
“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 said.
According to the FIR, the firm came to know about the theft in May but filed the complaint on August 9.
The Bhakti Path is a road that connects Shringar Ghat, Hanuman Garhi, and the Ram Mandir. The 742-meter route has a unique aesthetic appeal because it is bordered by homes and businesses painted in saffron. Along this path are additional notable landmarks like Dashrath Mahal and Kanak Bhawan.
The Ram Path, a four-lane, 13-kilometre stretch of road that links Sadatganj and Naya Ghat, intersects the Bhakti Path.
Ayodhya underwent extensive renovations as part of a major project ahead of the Ram Mandir’s consecration ceremony on January 22.
