New leader for ASI team in Ayodhya

The Archaelogical Survey of India team carrying out excavations at the disputed site in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh will now have a new leader.

Hari Majhi will replace B R Mani as leader of the ASI team on Tuesday.

A three-judge bench of the Allahabad high court, which is hearing a title suit on Ayodhya land, had directed the UP government to replace Mani following complaints by the Sunni Central Waqf Board of violation of excavation norms.

The HC has asked the ASI to give its opinion on whether a temple existed at the spot where the Babri Masjid stood before it was pulled down by Hindu zealots on December 6, 1992. The demolition had triggered communal riots all across the acountry.

The court has, however, allowed Mani to continue in the team.