NEW DELHI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has begun its survey of the Gyanvapi masjid complex in Varanasi. The survey which began at around 7 am amid tight security, will continue till 12 o clock. The survey will later resume at 3 pm in the afternoon. Officials, including District Magistrate and Police Commissioner, have reached the mosque premises. Only those authorized by the district administration are allowed entry to the mosque.
#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: A team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) arrives at the Gyanvapi mosque complex to conduct a scientific survey of the complex pic.twitter.com/gvkyH4f62L
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 4, 2023
The police have closed the roads leading to the mosque after covering the area with barricades. Journalists have been denied entry to the mosque. Media workers can stand only 100 meters apart. The High Court has directed not to carry out excavations in the mosque complex as part of the survey. Inspection will not take place in the area where a Shivling was found earlier. The Allahabad High Court had yesterday given permission to conduct a scientific survey of the mosque.
#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Security strengthened around the Gyanvapi premises as ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) will conduct a survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex today
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) August 4, 2023
Allahabad High Court yesterday allowed ASI to conduct the survey pic.twitter.com/lzNBfLDybD