Delhi Speaker says mysterious tunnel found in Assembly connects to Red Fort

A mysterious tunnel in Delhi Assembly that leads to Red Fort has been found, said Speaker Ram Niwas Goel.

A mysterious tunnel beneath the Delhi Assembly has been found, and it leads to the Red Fort, Speaker Ram Niwas Goel has said.Talks among officials about such a tunnel have survived for decades, Ram Niwas Goel said.On Friday, the Delhi Assembly Speaker showed the tunnel's entrance to the media and made claims about its history and possible use.However, the claims have not been verified by historians or experts.The Delhi Assembly building was built by the British. In 1911-1912, it came into existence. Initially, it housed the members of the Central Legislative Assembly. However, later the house was shifted to another building which, post-Independence, became the Indian Parliament.Ram Niwas Goel said it was during his tenure that the work to discover the tunnel was carried out.“Tunnel connects Vidhan Sabha to Red Fort,” Goel said. However, he added that because of modern-day construction, the tunnel's path had been blocked.Goel claimed that the British must have used the tunnel to transport convicts on death row - from the Red Fort to the building where hangings were carried out.He accepted historians had not verified the claims. Officials are yet to find written history or historical references to the structure beneath the Assembly floor.ALSO READ: British-era tunnel connecting Delhi Legislative Assembly to Red Fort found | See pictures “The tunnel and the phaansi ghar (hanging arena) will be opened for tourists by January 26, 2022, or next Independence Day,” Goel said. He added that students would be allowed to visit these spots for free.A detailed proposal for opening these sites for visitors will be sent to Delhi’s Tourism department.