Hans News Service Hyderabad

A tunnel has been discovered following alleged illegal excavation at a historic 400-year-old Qutb Shahi graveyard at 18 Seedi on Golconda premises, triggering serious concerns over possible damage to the protected heritage site. It revived the long-standing belief of a secret tunnel connecting Golconda Fort with the Charminar.

It was alleged that the excavation was carried out by Army officials in the area, following which the discovery of a tunnel came to light.

The matter has now been brought to the attention of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for an immediate inspection and investigation.

According to preliminary information, excavation was allegedly being carried out at the site, during which an underground passage or tunnel-like structure was noticed.

The discovery has generated considerable interest because of a long-standing local belief that there is a secret underground passage between Golconda Fort and Charminar. However, there is no conclusive evidence so far establishing the existence of such a passage.

AIMIM Karwan MLA Kausar Mohiuddin visited the site and contacted officials of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and brought the alleged excavation and discovery to their attention.

The development has also been brought to the notice of the Hyderabad Collector, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner and DCP, South-West Zone.

Authorities have decided to deploy police personnel at the site to prevent any further unauthorised activity until the inspection and assessment are completed.

On receiving the information, the ASI officials inspected the site on Friday and ascertained the nature and extent of the excavation and examined the tunnel discovered at the location.

The officials from ASI said that they have called archaeologists to examine the reliability of the claim that there is a tunnel that has been discovered. The inspection has determined whether the excavation has caused any damage to the centuries-old Qutb Shahi heritage site and the nature and purpose of the tunnel, says an official from ASI.