Gyanvapi case: “Shivling” controversy continues

Even as the Anjuman Intezamia Masjid (AIM), which is the committee that manages the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, clarifies that the structure found in the Wazu Khana of the mosque is not a “Shivling” but a broken portion of a fountain that once stood there, the controversy surrounding the object found in the water tank refuses to die down. This despite multiple leaked photographs circulating on social media that suggest that there might be some truth to the AIM’s claims.

Ajay Kumar Mishra, who was removed as Advocate Commissioner from the video survey team by a Varanasi court yesterday, has now squarely blamed the videographer for leaking information. In an interview with NDTV, Mishra said, “What can I do about it? I hired the cameraman, he cheated.”

Allegations against the cameraman had also been levelled by Vishal Singh, another Advocate Commissioner appointed by the court after the AIM accused Mishra of being biased and demanded his ouster. “Ajay Mishra had appointed a videographer who was giving statements in the media and spreading rumours,” Singh had said, as per the report.

A camera person named Vibhash Dubey had made certain statements about what was found inside the mosque in an interview to Aaj Tak on May 11[1]. He said, “Carvings of lotuses, and other figures revered in Hinduism, as well as a temple bell were found on the Western wall of the mosque.” Interestingly, when Aaj Tak had probed another cameraman Ganesh on May 16[2], about what was found, he had simply said that he was not allowed to talk about it and that the truth will come out. It is noteworthy that Ganesh was the cameraman who was originally part of the survey team. It is alleged that Dubey, a private cameraman, was hired by Mishra.

But images and videos, that were allegedly leaked to different publications and news channels, have been telecast as well as shared on social media. However, none of these images and videos have been authenticated by any relevant authority.

What’s more, the ousted Advocate Commissioner Ajay Mishra has now also blamed Vishal Singh of “betraying” him. “I did nothing wrong. I was betrayed by Vishal Singh. He took advantage of my trusting nature,” Mishra told NDTV, adding, “We prepared the report together till 12 A.M last night. I had no idea Vishal Singh was conspiring against me. I feel really sad. I was not biased. I will not say anything about the survey.”

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader P Muralidhar Rao, who is presently serving as minder in Madhya Pradesh, posted a series of tweets claiming “no power in the world could stop Hindus from worshipping the Shivling”. Calling it his “personal opinion, he wondered if the Places of Worship Act was maintainable any more in the matter.

All this has transpired even though the official report has not been submitted to the court, the deadline is tomorrow. Moreover, no relevant authority has confirmed that the structure found was indeed a “Shivling”, a stone sculpture considered holy by Hindus. It is shocking how mere rumours have fuelled such passions, and added to tensions.

Related:

SC orders “Shivling” to be protected without denying Muslims access to the mosque

Gyanvapi case: Varanasi court removes controversial Advocate Commissioner

Shivling ‘found’ on Gyanvapi mosque premises, court orders area sealed

Gyanvapi case: Two more advocate commissioners added to Shringar Gauri survey team

Gyanvapi case: Court to pronounce order in Shringar Gauri temple survey matter today

Gyanvapi case: One out of five withdrawing name from Maa Shringar Gauri temple petition?

Gyanvapi case: Videographic survey of Maa Shringar Gauri temple begins

Gyanvapi case: Allahabad HC stays ASI survey, proceedings before lower court

Gyanvapi case: Varanasi court to hear petition to hold prayers in Shringar Gauri temple

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