New Delhi: In the ongoing survey currently being conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, lawyers representing the Hindu side have expressed optimism about the potential discovery of idols. Sudhir Tripathi, a lawyer representing the Hindu perspective, has provided updates indicating that although complete idols have not been found, fragments of idols have been uncovered within the debris. This discovery has sparked optimism for the eventual recovery of the original idols.
The survey, which resumed on Saturday, focuses primarily on the wuzu khana (ablution area) and the area where Muslims offer prayers. On day one, the survey was completed at 5 pm, and the ASI team subsequently left the mosque complex.
The main purpose of this scientific survey is to determine whether the 17th-century masjid was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple, which has been a subject of contention. During the survey, the ASI team took a brief halt around noon, allowing Muslims to offer their prayers in the mosque before resuming their investigation at 2:30 pm.
The Varanasi court has set a deadline of September 2 for the ASI to submit its final report on the survey findings. The government counsel had earlier requested an extension of four weeks for completing the survey and preparing the report. The situation remains closely monitored as this survey holds significant historical and religious implications. Both parties await the final report to shed light on the contentious issue surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque complex.
