UTTAR PRADESH. Varanasi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has commenced a scientific survey at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, despite the recent condemnation petition filed by the mosque management committee in the Supreme Court against the district court’s order allowing the inspection.
The outer area of the mosque is now restricted and barricaded under police supervision.
The ASI aims to determine whether the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing Hindu temple, with the findings playing a crucial role in the investigation.
Photos reveal that the ASI team, equipped with necessary tools, has reached the main site in Varanasi. The Uttar Pradesh Police team also entered the Gyanvapi mosque complex as the survey began.
The team includes ASI officials, four Hindu women plaintiffs, their counsels, and representatives of the mosque management committee.
Varanasi district magistrate S Rajalingam confirmed earlier, “The ASI survey will begin on Monday. All parties, including plaintiffs and defendants related to the matter, have been informed.”
The ‘wazukhana,’ a barricaded structure, is at the center of the dispute, with Hindu litigants claiming the presence of a ‘shivling’ while Muslims dispute this and describe it as a mere ‘fountain.’
The Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee has decided not to participate in the survey.
The committee’s joint secretary SM Yasin stated, “We have boycotted the ASI survey. Neither we nor our advocate are present there (in the Gyanvapi mosque) during the ASI survey. We are not participating in it.”
Sohan Lal Arya, one of the petitioners in the Gyanvapi mosque case, expressed his satisfaction with the survey and said, “This is a very glorious moment for us for the Hindu community and crores of Hindus… The survey is the only possible solution to this Gyanvapi issue.”
Also Read: Gyanvapi Mosque Case Verdict: Sec 144 Imposed ahead of the Discussion
