Ram Temple Ceremony: Priest, 16 Cops Test COVID-19 Positive

Faizabad/Ayodhya: Ahead of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ram Temple on August 5, a priest and 16 policemen on duty have tested positive for coronavirus. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the ceremony along with 50 VIPs, reported NDTV.

Assistant to the chief priest Pradeep Das said he has tested COVID-19 positive. The 16 policemen who tested positive were engaged in security duties at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, NDTV quoted the temple trust as saying.

However, the ceremony will be held maintaining all the safety rules for coronavirus. Around 200 people, including priests, security personnel, guests and locals, will be present, NDTV reported quoting the Trus.

Out of the 29,997 cases in Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya has 375 active coronavirus cases, reported NDTV.

Among the preparations:

• Helipad for the Prime Minister three km from the Ram Janambhoomi site
• Widening of the road to the temple
• Graffiti paintings depicting the life of Lord Ram put up along the road
• Giant CCTV screens erected across Ayodhya