Mangaluru: Heavy police force has been deployed at Malali Juma Masjid here and prohibitory orders imposed within 500 meters from the worship place till 8 am Thursday.
Section 144 of the CrPc has been imposed as 'Tambula Prashne' at Sri Ramanjaneya Bhajana Mandira at Thenkulipadi was conducted from morning 8.30 am Wednesday.
After this ritual, the Hindu organisations were slated to perform "Ashtamangala Prashne" as they believe that the Juma Masjid was built in place of a temple.
Tambula Prashne is being conducted after a Hindu temple-like architectural design was purportedly deciphered underneath the Masjid on April 22 during a renovation work undertaken by the mosque authorities in Juma Masjid situated in the outskirts of the city.
#Karnataka: Police deployment at Juma Masjid in Malali, Mangaluru as section 144 has been imposed within 500 meters from the worship place till 8 am of May 26th. pic.twitter.com/C2USCyIZR1
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The Hindu community in the vicinity claims that there is every possibility of the existence of a temple at the Masjid site.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had appealed to the district administration to cease the work until the documents were verified.
Local MLA Bharath Shetty demanded an archaeological survey into the matter to ascertain if a temple existed underneath Juma Masjid.
A city court is hearing the matter and has issued a temporary injunction to all stakeholders including the president of the mosque.
The mosque management committee claims that they have all the relevant documents and would submit it before the court.
The VHP has hinted at launching a "Ram Mandir-like campaign" and vowed to continue the legal fight for the premises.
Taking note of the controversy, Deputy Commissioner KV Rajendra chaired a meeting with officials and stakeholders on Tuesday and ordered to maintain the status quo of the structure till further orders.
The administration is looking into the land records and has appealed to people to maintain peace. (UNI)
