Large gatherings banned near Mangaluru Mosque following temple remains claim
25 May, 2022 | Riya Girdhar
On April 21, a temple-like architectural design was discovered during digging at an old mosque on the outskirts of Mangaluru, according to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Large gatherings have been prohibited near a mosque in Mangaluru, Karnataka, following protests by a rightwing Hindu group that claims the remains of a temple were discovered during its partial demolition.
The restrictions are in effect until 8 a.m. tomorrow within a 500-meter radius of Malali Juma Masjid.
On April 21, a temple-like architectural design was discovered during digging at an old mosque on the outskirts of Mangaluru, according to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
This morning, the group carried out rituals that it claimed would “prove whether a temple existed at the location.”
A court halted the mosque’s renovation after reports of a temple-like structure were discovered.
Deputy Commissioner KV Rajendra stated that the veracity of the VHP’s claims would be verified after receiving reports on land ownership from the Endowment Department and the Waqf Board.
The VHP has stated that if its rituals confirm temple remains, it will approach the court.
The row has arisen at a time when a dispute over Varanasi’s Gyanvapi mosque is being heard in courts including the Supreme Court.