New Delhi (Agency): The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) restarted the survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque on the fourth day, Monday, but the commencement of the survey was held up by three hours due to a large crowd of worshippers at the adjacent Kashi Vishwanath temple.
According to government lawyer Rajesh Mishra, the survey managed to cover all three domes and the basements of the Gyanvapi complex on Sunday. However, the influx of devotees at the Kashi Vishwanath temple delayed the resumption of the work until 11 am on Monday.
Mishra confirmed that the mapping, measuring, and photography of the areas surveyed on Sunday would continue. He stated, “The work of photography, mapping, and measurement was done and the basement of Vyas Ji has also been surveyed. The work of the survey will take more time.”
But, there is tension over the survey. Members of the Muslim community claimed on Sunday that “rumours” were being circulated about the discovery of a Hindu idol and a ‘trishul’ (trident) during the survey. They called on the administration to halt such “rumours”.
“Such rumours can generate hysteria in the public. The administration should pay attention to maintaining law and order,” one representative expressed. They argue that the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque, permitted by the Allahabad High Court, will “reopen wounds of the past”.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court refused to stay the High Court order allowing the ASI survey on Friday. But the bench, consisting of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, directed the ASI not to perform any invasive actions during the survey.
