Amidst tight security arrangements, the videography survey of Gyanvapi premises, as per the court orders, began here on Saturday morning. The survey will continue on Sunday and the full report is scheduled to be presented in the court on May 17.
The entire Kashi Vishwanath Corridor and adjoining areas turned into a fortress even as the roads leading to the corridor and Gyanvapi from Maidagin and Godowlia sides were closed for the public. However, devotees were allowed to pay obeisance to the deity at the Kashi Vishwanath temple going there through Gate No. 1.
As per the court orders, the first day’s survey ended by noon and during this period, the team comprised more than 50 members.
The media and the public were stopped about a kilometer away from the main gate. After coming out of Gyanvapi campus, the court commissioner and other advocates refused to disclose anything to the media.
District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said that on the orders of the court, the team led by Advocate Commissioner Ajay Mishra surveyed parts of Gyanvapi premises from 8 am to 12 noon.
During the survey, representatives of the state government, commissioner of police, district administration and Kashi Vishwanath temple management were also present. The 4-hour-long survey was done peacefully but details of the same could not be disclosed.
Commissioner of Police (CP) A Satish Ganesh said that the survey work would continue from 8 am on Sunday.
Sources said that amidst tight security arrangements, the team surveyed four rooms in the basement and appeared satisfied. During the four hours, more than 50 per cent of the area was surveyed.
Earlier, when the survey process started on May 6, it was halted due to strong protests from a section of people while next day (May 7), the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee submitted an application in the court demanding replacement of the advocate commissioner. However, the plea was rejected by the court on May 12.
Heavy security forces, including CRPF and PAC personnel, were deployed inside and outside Gate No, 4 of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor. Police personnel were also deployed on the rooftops of houses in the adjoining areas to keep a close watch on the situation. Besides, the security forces led by senior district and police officers also patrolled adjoining streets and sensitive areas to maintain law and order.