A top official leading the filming of the Gyanvapi mosque complex for a case was sacked by a court in Varanasi today over leaked information. The court also gave two more days for the report of filming at the Gyanvapi Masjid in a case involving claims that parts of a temple are inside the mosque complex.
Ajay Mishra was removed as survey commissioner after lawyers representing the Hindu petitioners and the mosque respondents had a heated argument in court today over the findings of the filming being leaked to the media even before the report was submitted to court.
Ajay Mishra was removed on a complaint by Vishal Singh, who is the new Chief Advocate Commissioner.
"I did nothing wrong. I was betrayed by Vishal Singh. He took advantage of my trusting nature," Mr Mishra told NDTV.
"We prepared the report together till 12 am 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," he said.
Vishal Singh, the new survey head, said he had complained against Ajay Mishra to the court. "I had given the petition regarding the conduct of Ajay Mishra. Ajay Mishra had appointed a videographer who was giving statements in the media and spreading rumours. I am saying with full responsibility that my report will be fair," he said.
Appearing to concede that the videographer he hired had leaked the details, Mr Mishra said: "What can I do about it? I hired the photographer, he cheated."
AdvertisementThe court is hearing the petition of five Hindu women who claim there are idols of Hindu gods and goddesses inside the mosque.
On the last day of the court-ordered filming on Monday, the lawyer for the Hindu petitioners claimed a "Shivling " was found at a pond used for 'Wazoo' or purification rituals before namaaz, inside the mosque complex.
AdvertisementA mosque management committee member, however, has disputed the claim, saying the object was part of the water fountain mechanism at the reservoir.
On Monday, the court directed the Varanasi district administration to seal the spot.
AdvertisementThe Supreme Court, which is hearing a petition by the Gyanvapi mosque committee challenging the survey, said the "Shivling" area should be protected without impeding Muslims from using the mosque for worship.
