In the village of Bankhala, Bijanpur, a dispute continues regarding the presence of a well beneath the mosque. Amid activity from Hindu organizations and inspections by the administration, members of the mosque committee began independently dismantling the structure, which is alleged to be situated over the supposed well.
Local residents state that the demolition is being carried out by mutual consent to allow for excavations and determine the truth about the existence of the well. Meanwhile, villagers are avoiding public comments on the matter, emphasizing that an atmosphere of brotherhood prevails in the village and they do not wish for any disagreements.
Some time ago, Kaushik Tyagi, chairman of the Hindu Defence Group, filed a complaint with the District Magistrate (DM) and the police (SP) of Bijanpur, asserting that there is a well under the mosque. This complaint demanded an investigation and the dismantling of the structure built over the well. Subsequently, the administration initiated an inquiry into the matter.
About five days ago, revenue department officials, including the SDM and CO Nagina, visited the site and conducted an inspection on the mosque premises. At the same time, the Hindu Defence Group announced a reading of 'Hanuman Chalisa' at the location of the alleged well on Tuesday. Following the announcement, activists from the organization arrived in the vicinity of the village.
Due to the tense situation, the administration deployed police forces around the mosque. Representatives from both sides were invited, and documents pertaining to their complaints were obtained. The administration requested the Hindu Defence Group to postpone the event and asked for three days to conduct a full investigation. After this, the organization canceled the 'Hanuman Chalisa' program.
After the stipulated period expired, members of the mosque committee proceeded to demolish the structure located above the alleged well. The 'Aaj Tak' team, which arrived at the scene, found that the dismantled structure was covered with a tarp. Shamshad, the son of the mosque mutawalli, declined to comment to the camera but verbally stated that the decision to remove the structure was made by all parties by mutual agreement. He added that once the construction is removed, it will be determined whether a well is indeed underneath it.
Subhash, associated with the Hindu community, who was present at the scene, also stated that he did not know if there had been a well there previously, but the structure is being dismantled by mutual consent to ascertain the truth. Before the media arrived, the demolished sections were covered with a tarp.
Villagers insist that they do not want to escalate the conflict and aim to resolve the dispute through mutual understanding. It is reported that excavations have been carried out to a depth of about four feet, but no structure resembling a well has been found so far. Residents state that the situation will become clear after further earthworks.
Currently, the village maintains a calm atmosphere. The mosque is closed during non-prayer times to limit unnecessary movement around it, and a lock is hanging on the gates. Whether the claim about a well under the mosque is true will only become clear after further investigation and excavation. The administration continues to monitor the situation and remains vigilant to prevent any tension in the village.