‘Akbarabadi mosque’ row: ASI seeks IIT-Kanpur’s help

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday approached the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, for technical help to ascertain the presence of structures, if any, below the ground at the Subhash Park site, where the remains of a Mughal-era structure were found recently.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday approached the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, for technical help to ascertain the presence of structures, if any, below the ground at the Subhash Park site, where the remains of a Mughal-era structure were found recently.

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Acting on the Delhi High Court’s directions to carry out investigation at the site, the ASI also formed a 15-member team led by SK Mitra, director (excavations and explorations).

The ASI wants to use ground penetrating radar (GPR) to carry out excavation at the site. In this method, high-frequency radio waves transmitted into the ground are reflected by a buried object or structure. This helps ascertain its exact location, size and depth.

The ASI’s decision is a first step towards examining if the remains at the site were of the Akbarabadi mosque as claimed Matia Mahal MLA Shoaib Iqbal.

The High Court had on Friday taken cognisance of media reports about unauthorised construction of a wall on the archaeological remains discovered at the site and prayers being held there. The court will hear the matter on Wednesday.

Sources said the ASI is likely to raise the issue of construction over the said underground structure.

ASI director general Gautam Sengupta on Monday attended a meeting called by Lieutenant Governor to discuss the matter.

But even though the high court had asked the ASI to “start work immediately” to establish the archaeological significance of the articles found at the site, it had not started any work. “It is not sure when actual work will start as the letter to IIT-Kanpur has been dispatched today,” sources said.

“The ASI is yet to take the possession from NDMC,” North Corporation commissioner said in his report submitted at the house meeting on Monday.

BR Mani, ASI’s national spokesperson, said, “We have taken in our charge two boxes full of things such as pieces of pottery and carved stones, etc., claimed to have been found during digging. We will open the boxes only in the presence of civic body officials.”

But neither Mani nor any other official said anything about when the actual excavation/ investigation exercise will begin.