Varanasi, August 8: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) continues its scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex on the fifth day, with an advocate representing the Hindu side stating that the survey will begin at 8 am today, and the dome's survey is yet to be completed.
Advocate Sudhir Tripathi informed, "The survey will start at 8 am today. It seems the survey of the dome has not been completed. 'Tahkhana' is also being surveyed. Without removing the rubble, photography and videography are not possible."
To ensure security during the ongoing survey by ASI at Gyanvapi complex, heavy security measures have been deployed around the Gyanvapi mosque.
Petitioner Rekha Pathak from the Hindu side expressed excitement about the survey and mentioned, "The 'Tahkhana' might be opened today. We are very excited about the survey. It has become our routine to get up in the morning and head for duty. That's how we feel. Our work is to supervise. We have had talks, and the survey starts at 8 am and will go on till 5 pm."
The scientific survey of the complex, which is adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, began last Friday as per the Allahabad High Court's order, allowing ASI to conduct the survey. The objective is to determine if the 17th-century mosque was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple structure, excluding the 'Wazukhana' area where a "Shivling" was claimed to have been found last year.
The Allahabad High Court dismissed the plea filed by the Muslim side, the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee, challenging the Varanasi court order, which permitted ASI to conduct a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque premises, except the 'Wazukhana' area.
- ANI
