ASI Team Enters Gyanvapi Mosque For Scientific Survey, Muslim Side Present

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday resumed its scientific survey at the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi with the objective of determining whether the 17th-century masjid was built on a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple.

Government counsel Rajesh Mishra, who had accompanied the ASI survey team the previous day, stated that the survey began in the morning and would conclude at 5 pm. The Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee's advocates also arrived at the Gyanvapi mosque, despite having earlier boycotted the survey.

Hindu plaintiffs' counsel Sudhir Tripathi expressed his cooperation and support for the survey, emphasizing the desire for a quick resolution to the matter. He welcomed the ASI's presence, as it was directed by the Supreme Court.

On Friday, the Supreme Court declined to stay the Allahabad High Court's order on the ASI survey, an exercise that the Muslim side believes could reopen past wounds. However, the Supreme Court instructed the ASI not to carry out any invasive acts during the survey, ruling out excavations as previously suggested by the Varanasi court.

The ASI had already resumed the detailed scientific survey on the same day the Supreme Court granted its approval. This survey was originally ordered by the Varanasi district court on July 21.

The Anjuman Intezamia Masjid committee had contested the district court's order in the Allahabad High Court, which dismissed their petition. Consequently, the Muslim body approached the Supreme Court.

The Varanasi court extended the ASI's deadline for completing the survey to September 4, granting an additional month.

During Friday's survey, a 41-member team conducted measurements, photography, and videography of the barricaded area of the Gyanvapi complex, excluding the sealed area. They also examined pillars and conducted topography, collecting evidence and preparing a map on a paper sheet.

On Saturday, the survey will focus on the areas under the three domes and other sections of the mosque premises, excluding the sealed area.