In response to an RTI query, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) stated that the temple of Keshavdev was dismantled and the site was repurposed for the construction of a mosque by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
The RTI was filed by Ajay Pratap Singh, a resident of Mainpuri in UP, and the reply came from the office of superintending archaeologist of ASI, Agra circle.
Singh had sought specific information about “dismantling” of Keshavdev temple — claimed to be part of Krishna Janmabhoomi temple complex.
The RTI reply, while not specifically mentioning the words “Krishna Janmabhoomi,” confirmed the demolition of the former temple of Keshavdev by the Mughal emperor.
Advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh, president of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nyas, said that “he will place the key piece of evidence before Allahabad HC and SC”.
On basis of historical evidence, we had in our petition mentioned that Aurangzeb issued a decree in 1670 CE to demolish the temple. Following that, Shahi Idgah Mosque was built there.
“Now ASI in reply to the RTI query has attested the information. We’ll put forward ASI reply in HC during the Feb 22 hearing,” he said.
Previously, the ASI issued a comparable ruling in the Gyanvapi Mosque case in Varanasi, which led to Hindus being granted permission to offer prayers within the mosque.