Mangaluru temple-mosque row: Hindu outfits move court seeking ASI survey

Mangaluru: In a major development, Hindu organisations filed a plea in a local court to ascertain the religious character of Malali Mosque in the city.

A plea seeks permission from the court to conduct an ASI survey of the mosque, a Vishwa Hindu Parishad spokesperson told reporters here on Tuesday.

"In the Malali masjid issue, we only want to find out the truth. We are seeking appointment of a court commissioner in this regard," he said.

On April 21, a Hindu temple-like architectural design was allegedly found beneath the masjid while the mosque management had taken up renovation work. Thereupon the court ordered it to stop the renovation work.

The Hindu organisations, including VHP, conducted "Tambula Prashne" before the priests to ascertain the truth about the mosque.

After the ritual, the Hindu groups said a 'Shiv' temple existed where now the Juma Masjid stands.

To prevent any communal tensions, Mangaluru Commissioner N Shashi Kumar clamped prohibitory orders surrounding the Assayed Adbullahil Madani mosque at Malali. (UNI)