ASI Survey Of Gyanvapi Complex Continues: Secondary Stage To Use Machines Like Radars, Findings Not Revealed Yet

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has completed the primary stage of the court-ordered survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.

The officials will recommence the scientific survey at 10:30 am on Monday (7 August) as the secondary stage of the survey has begun using various machines, including radars.

While the Hindu side expressed satisfaction with the survey's progress so far, the Muslim side has warned of boycotting the survey if rumors about the discovery of Hindu idols in the debris inside the complex are spread.

On Sunday, scientific tests were conducted under the three domes of the Gyanvapi mosque. According to Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, a lawyer from the Hindu side, the work is being conducted in a systematic manner, and the measurements will require some time.

The survey aims to determine if the 17th-century mosque was built over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. Vishnu Shankar Jain, the Hindu side's lawyer, mentioned that photography, mapping, and measurements of the area have been completed, along with cleaning of certain basements.

However, representatives from the Hindu side are refraining from commenting on the findings as the survey is being conducted under the court's supervision.

Syed Mohammad Yasin, joint secretary of the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid, accused a section of the media of falsely claiming the discovery of idols, 'trishul,' and 'kalash' during the survey of the basement on Saturday.

The scientific survey of the complex, adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple (excluding Wuzu Khana), began on Friday following the Allahabad High Court's order, which granted permission for the ASI to conduct the exercise. However, the Muslim side chose not to participate in the survey on Friday.

The Supreme Court declined to stay the Allahabad High Court's order, despite concerns from the Muslim side that the survey might reopen old wounds.