'Handover Gyanvapi structure to Hindus': VHP

The ASI survey points towards the presence of a Hindu temple that predates the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Uttar Pradesh.

In light of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report suggesting the existence of a large Hindu temple structure at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has sought the Gyanvapi structure be "handed over to Hindus".

The ASI survey points towards the presence of a Hindu temple that predates the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Uttar Pradesh.

Days after the ASI report was made available to both sides in Gyanvapi case, the Vishva Hindu Parishad working president and senior advocate Alok Kumar demanded the transfer of Gyanvapi mosque to another "appropriate place" and giving land of the Gyanvapi complex to the Kashi Vishwanath Committee or Hindu society.

"The Shivlinga in what was called the Wazukhana leaves no doubt that the structure does not have the character of a Mosque. The discovery of the names, including the Janardana, Rudra and Umeswara in the inscriptions found in the structure are the tell-tale evidence of this being a Temple," Alok Kumar's statement read.

Alok Kumar also said that the evidence collected and the conclusions provided by the ASI "prove that the religious character of this place of worship existed on August 15, 1947 and, as at present, is a Hindu Temple."

"Thus, even as per Section 4 of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, the structure should be declared as a Hindu Temple," he said.