Gyanvapi survey resumes on day 3, mosque committee threatens boycott over ‘rumours’

Archaeological Survey of India resumes survey of Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi; Muslim side warns of boycott if "rumours" of Hindu symbols found. Government counsel says survey began at 8 am August 6,

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) resumed the survey of the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi on the third day on August 6 to determine if the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure, even as the Muslim side warned they would boycott the entire exercise if "rumours" are spread that Hindu religious symbols and objects have been found.

Government counsel Rajesh Mishra said that on August 6 the survey work began at around 8.00 am and will continue till 5.00 pm.

Sudhir Tripathi, one of the advocates representing the Hindu side, said on August 5 that Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) and other techniques and machines were used for the survey work on Saturday.

The Hindu side is satisfied with the survey work so far, he said.

Syed Mohammad Yasin, the Joint Secretary of the Anjuman Intezamia Committee, which manages the mosque, said on Sunday the Muslim side and its advocates participated in the survey on August 6 for second day.

The Muslim side did not participate in the survey on August 4.

He alleged that a section of media on Saturday spread "rumours" that during the survey of the 'tahkhaanaa' (basement) on that day, idols, 'trishul' and 'kalash' were found.