Well found under demolished mosque debris, ASI begins probe

An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team began examining a well on Monday, found during debris removal following the demolition of a mosque located on the collectorate premises, officials said.

The well, approximately 20 feet deep and 1.5 meters wide, with iron sheets, was discovered beneath the debris on Sunday during removal work, triggering a debate over its antiquity and historical significance.

After the discovery, Sadar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Subodh Kumar said an ASI team would examine the well to ascertain its age and historical background.

Officials said they barricaded the area on Sunday to prevent anyone from accessing it.  Kumar said three ASI officials reached the site on Monday afternoon and began their examination in the presence of local administration officials.  Vikas Tyagi, a former Bajrang Dal convenor and the complainant in the matter, claimed that a temple might have existed at the site before the mosque was built.  However, Congress MP Imran Masood said the well was part of the mosque and was used in earlier times to meet the requirement of water for wuzu, or ablution before prayers. “The ASI officials measured the depth of the well after placing a ladder inside and examined its interior. They also carried out photography and videography and collected samples of soil and brick remnants from inside the well as part of their investigation,” Kumar said.