The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) started a survey of the Gyanvapi campus on Monday morning.
The survey is being done on the orders of the Varanasi district court, which has directed the ASI to scientifically investigate, survey and excavate to find out whether the present structure in the Gyanvapi complex was built on an already existing Hindu temple.
Team of ASI experts in Varanasi
A team of ASI experts reached Varanasi with special equipment for the survey on Sunday. The team held a meeting with Commissioner Kaushalraj Sharma, Commissioner of Police Mutha Ashok Jain, District Magistrate S Rajalingam at the camp office of the Police Commissioner.
Lawyers and litigants from the temple and mosque sides were also involved in the meeting.
Additional security forces deployed at Gyanvapi
During the survey, an additional cover of security has been deployed in and around the Gyanvapi campus for round-the-clock security arrangements. In order to maintain peace in the city, all the police stations have been instructed to increase patrols in their respective areas.
Security forces have been deployed at gate number four of Sri Kashi Vishwanath Dham from midnight. Security has been tightened in the surrounding areas from 2 am.
Gyanvapi hearing to be held in Supreme Court
When asked that the lawyers of Anjuman Intejamia Masjid have challenged the district judge’s order in the Supreme Court and the hearing is also scheduled for Monday, the commissioner said that whatever decision the apex court gives will be followed. After the decision of the district court, the ASI made its preparations for the survey for two days and now they have come here with preparations.
Varanasi district court ordered ASI survey
The court of District Judge Dr. Ajay Krishna Vishwesh had last Friday ordered a survey of the entire Gyanvapi campus, except the area of the Vujukhana, which was sealed by the order of the Supreme Court.
The ASI director was also ordered to present the report of the survey in court on August 4. The matter will also come up for hearing on the same day.
Devotees will not be troubled
The District Magistrate says that the order of the court will be followed completely. The survey team has come with full preparation. All kind of cooperation will be provided to him.
As today is the third Monday of ‘Sawan’, there is a much bigger crowd of devotees at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The administration has taken measures to ensure that the devotees do not face any problems.
Key points of the district court’s order
- In the light of the claims of the plaintiff and the defendant, investigate through scientific methods and collect evidence from video, and photography.
- Examine the age and nature of construction of the western wall of the building present in the campus by scientific method.
- Under the three domes, examine the western wall and the crypts and excavate if necessary.
- List the artifacts found in the building and determine their age and nature.
- Determine the age and nature of the pillars and foundations of the building through investigation.
- During the survey, take special care that the existing construction should not be damaged in any way.
Mosque side opposed ASI survey
Syed Muhammad Yasin, joint secretary of Anjuman Intejamia Masjid, said that in the meeting, he handed over a letter to the District Magistrate that the case is pending in the Supreme Court. A contempt application has also been filed against the order of the District Judge for the ASI survey.
The hearing is to be held on Monday. Therefore, any action should be taken only after the decision of the Supreme Court. Officials said that there is no stay of any higher court on the order of ASI survey. Therefore, the order of the district court has to be followed.
