Gyanavapi Complex where a mosque exists from 17th century is being surveyed by ASI under the supervision of courts. The first day of the survey lasted around seven hours and the ASI team mostly captured the layout and images of structures inside the complex. DGPS survey equipment is being used. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology will also be used informed Vishnu Shankar Jain, a lawyer with the survey team. Remains of fragmented idols have been found in the debris. It is said that 5 Kalash, 2 ft Trishul, 5 ft idol are found at Gyanvapi. It is likely that idols would be discovered during the survey, according to lawyer Sudhir Tripathi, who is accompanying the survey team.
Muslim groups unsuccessfully attempted stalling the survey. They submitted in the court that the survey would “reopen wounds of the past”, admitting to the forceful conversion of the nature of the complex.
All India Majilis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi felt that a narrative would be set in favor of Shiv temple revival once the report on the ongoing operation arrives.
He said RSS and BJP would play a key role in setting narrative of equating mosque at Gyanavapi complex with the Babri Masjid. (6/8/2023)
