ASI Continues Inspection of Controversial Bhojshala Complex; Mosque Welfare Group Raises Concerns

Dhar: On Sunday, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) continued its survey of the disputed Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, marking the third day of examination. Abdul Samad, President of the Kamal Maula Mosque Welfare Society and a party involved in the legal proceedings, informed reporters on Saturday that he had lodged complaints with ASI via email.

“Our concern is that ASI should not consider items placed inside Bhojshala after 2003 during the survey. I have communicated my objections via email,” Samad stated. He further noted the presence of three ASI teams operating within the compound and expressed his desire for them to concentrate their efforts in one location.

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On Sunday, an ASI team, accompanied by senior police and local administrative officials, conducted a visit to the contested complex in the tribal-dominated area. Petitioners from the Hindu side, Ashish Goyal and Gopal Sharma, also visited the Bhojshala Complex. Enhanced police presence was observed at the site. The survey commenced on Friday following a directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

On March 11, the Madhya Pradesh High Court instructed ASI to conduct a scientific examination of the Bhojshala complex, a medieval-era structure that Hindus regard as a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims refer to it as Kamal Maula Mosque. According to a ruling by ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus are permitted to offer prayers within the Bhojshala complex every Tuesday, while Muslims can conduct namaz on Fridays.