The examination of the contentious Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque complex situated in the tribal-dominated Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, currently being conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), persisted for the second consecutive day on Saturday.
A contingent from the ASI arrived at the disputed complex approximately at 8 o’clock in the morning on Saturday. The investigative endeavor initially commenced on Friday subsequent to a decree issued by the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Accompanying the ASI team are high-ranking police personnel and officials from the local administration.
According to eyewitnesses, a substantial police presence has been deployed at the location. Plaintiffs from the Hindu faction, namely Ashish Goyal and Gopal Sharma, also made their way to the Bhojshala complex.
Abdul Samad, President of the Kamal Maula Mosque Welfare Society and one of the litigants in the case, informed reporters that he refrained from participating in the proceedings due to his ailing health and belated notification.
“We hold in esteem the verdict of the high court… There would be no objection if the examination is conducted within the framework of the Constitution and in compliance with the directives of the high court, however, there seem to arise fresh complications in the process… such as the installation of pillars which occurred subsequently in 2004,” he asserted.
“The (Muslim) community also expressed dissent concerning these pillars and submitted memorandums. Despite the opposition, the pillars remained in place and were not removed. They seek to incorporate this aspect into the examination. Furthermore, an idol was subsequently erected. Hence, we stand opposed to the new survey,” Samad declared.
He highlighted that the court had issued the directive despite several pending cases filed by members of the Muslim community regarding the Bhojshala complex. The Society petitioned the Supreme Court against the HC decree on March 16, seeking an urgent hearing; however, the apex court scheduled the hearing for April 1, he noted.
On March 11, the Madhya Pradesh High Court instructed the ASI to undertake, within a span of six weeks, a ‘scientific survey’ of the Bhojshala complex, a medieval-era structure revered by Hindus as a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) and designated as Kamal Maula Mosque by the Muslim community.
In accordance with an ASI edict issued on April 7, 2003, Hindus are permitted to engage in worship within the confines of the Bhojshala complex every Tuesday, while Muslims are granted authorization to perform Friday prayers at the site.
