Theft of lights from Ayodhya's Ram Path & Bhakti Path: What administration said? Why FIR was lodged against company that installed lights?

The theft of 3,800 bamboo lights and 36 gobo projector lights, which were set up for decoration along Ram Path and Bhakti Path in Ayodhya, has left both the local community and the administration in shock. The estimated value of the stolen lights exceeds Rs 50 lakh.

This incident is particularly alarming given that it occurred in one of the most secure areas of the city. The disappearance of government property from an open road, without the knowledge of any individuals, including the police, raises significant concerns.

The lights were installed by Yash Enterprises and Krishna Automobiles under a contract with the Ayodhya Development Authority, which included a total of 6,400 bamboo lights along the trees on Rampath and 96 gobo projector lights on Bhakti Path.

Company filed complaint on Aug 9

Shekhar Sharma, a representative from the company responsible for installing the lights, reported that 3,800 bamboo lights and 36 gobo projector lights have been stolen from the pathways. Sharma filed a theft complaint at the Ram Janmabhoomi police station on August 9.

In the police complaint, Sharma stated, "A total of 6,400 bamboo lights were installed along Rampath and 96 gobo projector lights on Bhakti Path. All the lights were accounted for until March 19, but during an investigation on May 9, it was discovered that about 3,800 bamboo lights and 36 gobo projector lights were missing, stolen by unknown people."

The complaint notes that while the company became aware of the theft on May 9, the FIR was only registered three months later, on August 9.

Currently, the police are refraining from commenting on the theft in this high-security area of Ayodhya, stating that an investigation is underway.

In contrast, the Ayodhya administration has claimed that no theft occurred and accused the light installation company of making false claims in order to secure payment.

SP targets BJP

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has targeted the BJP in response to the recent theft incident.

He shared footage of the bamboo lights installed on trees, commenting sarcastically, "Uttar Pradesh - Thieves have become fearless in Ayodhya. This is why the public has been saying that the poles are standing without electricity. A BJP government means a dark city, with darkness all around. Ayodhya says today's BJP is not needed."

Regarding the theft on Ayodhya's Ram Path, Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad, who represents the area, expressed his concern, stating, "This is a very surprising matter. Ram Path is not an ordinary road; it is known worldwide. The theft of lights on Ram Path, especially when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath frequently visits, raises significant concerns, and action should be taken against those responsible."

What administration said?

The Ayodhya administration has given clarification on the theft case. The administration has said that information has been received about the theft of lights installed on trees. This matter is being investigated. There has always been strictness regarding security in Ayodhya and it is not possible to steal such a large number of lights.

On this case of theft of lights worth Rs 50 lakh, the administration decided to register an FIR against the contractors who installed the lights and last week an FIR has been registered in Ram Janmabhoomi police station regarding the theft of lights from Rampath and Bhakti Path.

The Ayodhya administration says that perhaps these lights were never installed.

Ayodhya Vikas Pradhikaran chairman Gaurav Dayal said that the matter is being investigated and it has been decided to file an FIR against the contractors for cheating the government.