ASI to conduct survey of Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi today

The archaeological survey of India ASI started the survey of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi today. The survey is being conducted after the directions of a local Varanasi court in Gyanvapi- Shringar Gauri case. Meanwhile, the Muslim side in this case has approached supreme court for a stay on the survey.

Sources reports that The team of ASI reached the premises of Gyanvapi Mosque today morning around 7:00 a.m. around 30 members are there in the team.

The survey is being conducted with an aim to ascertain whether the mosque was built on the remains of a temple. Meanwhile security has been enhanced in and around the Gyanvapi mosque premises.

3 days back a local court of Ajay Krishna Vishvesh has ordered the ASI to explore the possibilities of the survey of the premises barring the controversial WazuKhana area and submit the report by 4th August which is also the next hearing of the case.

The district magistrate and commissioner of police held a crucial meeting with ASI team yesterday night regarding the survey of the case. Members of both sides related to the case were also present during the meeting.

District Magistrate of Varanasi S Rajlingam said that all security arrangements are in place keeping in mind that today is also the auspicious day of sawan ka Somwar during which lakhs of devotees reach Varanasi particularly at the Kashi Vishwanath temple adjacent to the mosque site.

On 21st July, the local court had accepted the plea of four female members of the Hindu site for survey and directed ASI to use scientific techniques including the ground penetrating radar GPR to conduct the elaborate survey of the whole premises.

Although court left that area which has been sealed since May 2022 after directions of the supreme court.