Hyderabad: Police launched an investigation after alleged illegal digging near the 400-year-old Qutb Shahi Tombs complex in Golconda exposed what appeared to be an underground tunnel.
Unidentified persons allegedly carried out the excavation inside the Qutb Shahi Tombs premises. The digging took place near a playground, where an underground passage became visible.
The discovery triggered concern over the unauthorised excavation near the historic tombs. It also revived public discussion about old claims of underground passages in the Golconda area.
Following instructions from AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, the Karwan MLA informed archaeology officials about the excavation. Police subsequently registered a case and began investigating the incident.
Qutb Shahi Tombs digging under investigation
Investigators were trying to establish who carried out the digging and why they excavated the site. Police were also examining the circumstances surrounding the suspected underground passage exposed near the playground.
The alleged excavation drew attention because it occurred within the historic Qutb Shahi Tombs complex. Meanwhile, the appearance of the underground structure generated interest over its possible origin and destination.
There had long been claims of a secret tunnel connecting the Golconda Fort area with Charminar. However, the source material provided no official confirmation linking the newly exposed passage to such a route.
The discovery near the playground nevertheless revived speculation about the reported Golconda-Charminar underground connection. The newly visible passage became a focus of discussion after the alleged illegal excavation came to light.
However, authorities had yet to establish where the suspected tunnel led or its historical purpose. Police continued investigating the people behind the excavation and their motive.
Archaeology officials were also informed about the developments following the intervention of the Karwan MLA. The Qutb Shahi Tombs incident involved two separate questions for investigators: the alleged unauthorised digging and the nature of the underground passage exposed at the site.
While speculation linked the passage with longstanding stories about a tunnel towards Charminar, no official finding confirming that connection was cited. Police continued their inquiry into who conducted the excavation and the reasons behind it.