MOST OF GYANVAPI MOSQUE SURVEY OVER, EXERCISE SET TO END TODAY

VARANASI: The survey of Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi by a court-appointed panel continued for the second consecutive day on Sunday amid elaborate security arrangements, officials said. The exercise was carried out between 8am and noon and will continue on Monday.

The survey was conducted by the three court commissioners in the presence of all parties, district magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma said. “Strong security arrangements were made...the entrance of the general public was kept closed for four hours”, Sharma said. “The proceedings of the commission went smoothly.”

Over 80% of the premises were surveyed in eight hours over two days, a person familiar with the matter said, adding that it is likely to be completed on Monday. The survey team will submit its report on May 17, according to the Varanasi civil court’s directions.