Jamia masjid row: Bajrang Dal demands to vacate mosque, submits PIL to Karnataka HC

Bengaluru: In its PIL (Public Interest Litigation) submitted to Karnataka High court, the Bajrang Dal, a right wing Hindu organisation in the state demands to vacate the Jamia Masjid citing that there are proofs that the mosque was once a Hindu temple.

"There are traces of Hindu gods and temple structure in the Jamia Mosque of historical Srirangapatna town in Mandya district. Hence, the mosque should be vacated immediately and also, Hindu devotees should be allowed to take bath in the kalyani (traditional water body) located in the premises of the mosque," the petition stated.

Further, the right wing outfits demanded a survey of the mosque on the lines of Gyanvapi masjid. State President of Bajrang Dal, Manjunath submitted the PIL on Wednesday.

The Bajrang Dal activists have cited the Mysore Gazetteer, Hindu architecture in mosque, inscription of Hindu idols, the sacred water body and references of British officers as proofs in the court.

Earlier, Hindutva groups had sought nod from authorities to conduct prayers in the mosque. The issue had stirred up much controversy in the state.

The mosque authorities have already made several appeals to concerned authorities to protect the Jamia mosque from Hindu activists.

Jamia masjid also called as Masjid-i-Ala, is located inside the Srirangapatna fort. It was built in 1786-87, during the rule of Tipu. The mosque has three inscriptions that mention nine names of Prophet Mohammad.

-IANS with Inputs