Archaeological Survey of India inspects well at Saharanpur mosque demolition site

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted an inspection of a well discovered beneath the debris of a mosque that was recently demolished in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The demolition followed a court order that dismissed an appeal by the mosque committee.

Archaeologists identified the structure as a well approximately 20 feet deep with a diameter of nearly three feet. Built using Lakhori bricks and a lime-surkhi mortar, the structure is believed to date back to the late medieval period. Officials from the Uttar Pradesh State Archaeology Department stated the inspection aims to determine the antiquity and historical relevance of the site.

The inspection took place under heavy police security and barricades. Local political leaders from the Samajwadi Party have raised concerns regarding the event, with MP Iqra Hasan alleging that opposition members faced police restrictions and surveillance during the process.