• Source:JND
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The Archaeological Survey of India has revealed information about Mathura's Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex based on historical records from a 1920 gazette about the temple. Though the RTI reply does not clearly mention  'Krishna Janmabhoomi,' it is considered significant in the ongoing legal battle related to Shahi Eidgah.

"Portions of Katra mound which are not in the possession of Nazul tenants (property belonging to government) on which formerly stood a temple of Keshavdev which was dismantled and the site utilised for the mosque of Aurangzeb..." ASI's document stated as quoted by the Times Of India.

A right-to-information petition seeking details about the demolition of the Keshavdev temple was filed by Ajay Pratap Singh from Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh. He had sought specific information about the dismantling of Keshavdev temple, which is claimed to be part of the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex. The reply by ASI confirmed the demolition of the former temple of Keshavdev at the disputed site by the Mughal Emperor.

According to the TOI report, Advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh, president of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nyas and one of the petitioners against the mosque, said that "he will place the key piece of evidence before Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court".

"On basis of historical evidence, we had in our petition mentioned that Aurangzeb issued a decree in 1670 CE to demolish the temple of Keshavdev in Mathura. Following that, Shahi Idgah Mosque was built there. Now ASI in reply to the RTI query has attested the information. We'll put forward the ASI reply in the HC during the next hearing on Feb 22," Singh said. He added: "This strengthens our demand for survey of Shahi Idgah mosque and excludes the structure out of purview of the Place of Worship Act, 1991."

Allahabad High Court has scheduled February 22 for the hearing on the maintainability of a plea seeking the removal of the Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura.

(With input from agencies)