AYODHYA (PTI): A hard-core trained specialist group appears to have masterminded the demolition of the 464-year-old disputed shrine at Ayodhya on Dec.6.
Events leading to the destruction of the three domes and the structure clearly indicate that this group led the demolition squad through a well-coordinated and predesigned operation writes a Press Trust of India correspondent who witnessed the day’s fast paced developments.
While one segment from this group instigated the Karsewaks (Hindu volunteers) to push through the police cordon another armed with hammers pick axes and iron rods deftly jumped over steel barricades around the disputed Structure and started pounding the domes.
Another team apparently provoked kar sevaks to pounce on members of the media particularly Photographers and video cameramen to prevent them from recording the incident.
Official sources said investigations were underway to identify this groupas also others who joined the demolition squad.
By 1100 hrs (1st) the meter high platform forming part of the incomplete Ram Chabutra was packed with saffron clad Sadhus and Sants who had come from different parts of the country.
1145 hrs all hell broke loose as kar sevaks stormed through the security « cordon and started menacingly moving towards the disputed structure.
A few karsevaks started violently shaking the closed gates of the disputed shrine.
Pleas by police personnel stationed inside the disputed complex to the kar sevaks went unheard.
Agitated kar sevaks then started pelting stones and bricks at the domes as several youths climbed up the steel barricade jumped down and quickly mounted the three domes.
Simultaneously Several youths whipped out hammers hidden under loose clothing while some others brought pick axes apparently kept within easy reach. Two of them were seen with pistols.
A number of hammers and pick Axes were then passed on to those perched atop the domes.
At this stage a frenzied mob had started pulling apart the steel barricades and used the steel rods for chipping concrete from the domes and the walls below it.
At the police control tower the district magistrate R.N Srivastava SSP D.B. Roy (both since suspended) and several other senior officials helplessly watched domes crumbling one after another.
Reporters photographers and video cameramen who were trying to get close to the scene of action suddenly found themselves targets of the kar sevaks who brutally assaulted them broke into pieces their expensive equipment and hurled some of the media-men on the ground.
At the Ramkatha Kunj speakers from the Dais first requested those atop the domes to get down. But their tone changed as the first dome caved in.
As the demolition work continued unabated the three domes collapsed in a matter of five hours the last one going down at 1645 hrs. The four leaders realized that the situation had completely gone out of control.
By six that evening the entire disputed structure had been razed to the ground and one group of kar sevaks was busy clearing the debris.
Six kar sevaks were killed and 525 sustained injuries in the operation. Riots broke out in the evening as communal clashes erupted.
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