The report, which includes comprehensive videography from all angles, was prepared following surveys conducted on November 19 and November 24.
After submitting the report, Court Commissioner Ramesh Singh Raghav, who was appointed as the advocate for the case, said that the survey was carried out as per the court’s directions. The case revolves around claims that a Harihar temple previously occupied the site of the Shahi Jama Masjid.
Survey details and findings
On the first day of the survey, November 19, approximately 90 minutes of videography were conducted inside the mosque. On November 24, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted an additional three hours of videography.
In total, the survey included around four and a half hours of footage and approximately 1,200 photographs.
The findings revealed several notable aspects of the mosque’s interior and exterior:
- A banyan tree was identified inside the mosque premises.
- A well was found, partially inside and partially outside the mosque, with the outer portion covered.
- Over 50 floral designs were documented.
- Evidence of alterations to the mosque’s domes was discovered, indicating changes to the original structure.
- New construction work inside the mosque was also noted, including a triangular structure that had been plastered and painted.
- A large chandelier hanging from the main dome was observed, secured by chains often associated with temple bells.
Controversy over waqf land
Amid the ongoing legal and historical disputes, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi accused authorities of building a police outpost on Waqf land near the Shahi Jama Masjid.
In a social media post, Owaisi alleged that the construction violated Waqf property rights and the Ancient Monuments Act, which prohibits construction near protected monuments.
“The police outpost being built near Sambhal’s Jama Masjid is on Waqf land as recorded in official documents. Additionally, construction near protected monuments is restricted under the Ancient Monuments Act. The atmosphere in Sambhal is being disturbed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,” Owaisi stated on X (formerly Twitter).
However, district officials have denied these claims, asserting that the land in question belongs to the municipal corporation.
