ASI Survey Of Gyanvapi Mosque Complex Continues On Day 7 Amid Tight Security

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Thursday morning recommenced its examination of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, marking the seventh day of the process. During Wednesday's session, ASI employed Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology for the survey. GPR is a robust, non-invasive, and non-destructive technique used to visualize underground structures and sub-surface layouts.

The ASI's survey resumed after a Varanasi court issued a directive prohibiting media coverage of the ongoing assessment at the Gyanvapi complex. The court also instructed members of the survey team to refrain from giving statements to any media outlet.

Shubhash Nandan Chaturvedi (Advocate for the Hindu side) mentioned that the ASI survey is advancing systematically and harmoniously. He added, "Both the Hindu and Muslim sides are cooperating and adhering to the court's directives."

During Tuesday's phase, the Archaeological Survey of India team investigated the northern wall, dome, and basements of the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi. Members from the Muslim side were present during the survey, as well.

The ASI team successfully completed measurement, mapping, and photography tasks within the Gyanvapi complex, according to government counsel Rajesh Mishra. The team divided itself into three groups, focusing on the northern wall, the dome, and the basements of the complex.

Vishnu Shankar Jain, the lawyer representing the Hindu side, noted that a comprehensive scientific examination is taking place within the premises in accordance with the court's order. Subhash Chaturvedi, another lawyer representing the Hindu side, affirmed that the ASI team is gathering evidence, including the dome, pavilion, and basements of the complex.

On the initial day of the ASI investigation, the Muslim side abstained from participation. The mosque's 'wazu khana', an area claimed by Hindu litigants to contain a 'shivling', will not be part of the study based on a prior Supreme Court ruling safeguarding that location within the complex.

Varanasi Court's ASI Survey Order from July
Earlier in July, a Varanasi court mandated that the ASI conduct a scientific examination of the Gyanvapi mosque complex situated adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. This order was subsequently upheld by the Allahabad High Court. The survey of the mosque complex commenced on August 4 in compliance with court directives.

Syed Mohammad Yasin, joint secretary of Anjuman Intezamia Masjid, the mosque's governing body, emphasized that the ASI's survey is being conducted per the court's orders. He expressed concerns about misleading news circulating in newspapers, news channels, and social media, which he believed could adversely affect public sentiment.

Yasin conveyed that an application was submitted in the court of District Judge A K Vishvesh on Tuesday, with a hearing expected on Wednesday. He also previously indicated that if baseless information continued to spread, the Muslim side might boycott the survey.

Yasin accused a portion of the media of spreading rumors during Saturday's survey, asserting that such rumors hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community. Allegedly, these reports claimed the discovery of idols, tridents, and urns in the mosque's basement.