Gyanvapi Mosque: Under Tight Security, ASI Will Continue Survey On The Fourth Day

On Monday, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will resume its inspection of the Varanasi Gyanvapi Mosque complex for a fourth day running. In the midst of intense security, a 55-member ASI team began the survey work on Sunday to ascertain if the mosque from the 17th century was erected on top of an earlier temple.

“Survey work is under progress,” stated Sudhir Tripathi, a lawyer for the Hindu side, in a statement to ANI. In addition, the Anjuman Intezamia Committee is helping with the survey. Since this is the fifth Monday of “Sawan” month, there may be a little delay before the survey can begin.

 

Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, an attorney for the Hindu side, said when the survey’s results were submitted, “ASI is conducting the study in a methodical and scientific way. The process of measuring will take some time. After the survey is finished, they will submit the report in court.

 

Earlier, a Hindu attorney claimed that certain idol fragments and old temple ruins were discovered during the 3D imaging, framing, and scanning of the Gyanvapi basement; the Muslim side refuted the assertions.

 

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed the Allahabad High Court’s directive that an ASI survey be conducted on the property, which would be advantageous to all parties. On the third day of the exercise, the survey crew evaluated the basement and all three tombs by measuring, mapping, and taking photographs.

 

On July 21, the district court ordered an ASI inspection of the Gyanvapi mosque, directing the organization to provide its findings by August 4. When the government counsel requested further time for the agency to undertake the survey, noting that after the July 21 decision, the process was paused owing to a mandate from the highest court, the bench on Saturday permitted the ASI four weeks to submit the report.