Tunnel reportedly found near Qutb Shahi tombs in Golconda

An underground structure was reportedly discovered near the Qutb Shahi tombs at Golconda during excavation work on Thursday. The discovery has revived speculation about historic secret passages, while the ASI is expected to inspect the site and determine its origin

Hyderabad: An underground tunnel was reportedly discovered near the historic Qutb Shahi tombs at Golconda on Thursday.

The structure was reportedly found during excavation work at the Athara Seedi (18 Seedi) area, close to a playground adjoining the 400-year-old Qutb Shahi tombs.

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It has rekindled the centuries-old mystery surrounding alleged secret passages linking Golconda Fort with other parts of the city.

The excavation activity has also raised concerns over alleged unauthorised digging at the heritage site.

Karwan MLA Kausar Mohiuddin alerted the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) after the tunnel was discovered and sought an inspection of the site.

The ASI officials are expected to examine the location and assess whether any protected structure or archaeological remains have been affected.

A police picket is also likely to be deployed in the area.

However, the allegations of illegal excavation have not yet been established.

The ASI survey is expected to determine the structure’s age, purpose and extent, besides establishing whether it is a genuine historic passage or a more recent excavation.

Such passages are believed to have been used as secret escape routes during times of conflict.

However, the existence of a long-distance tunnel between Golconda Fort and Charminar has never been conclusively established. Similar structures found in and around Golconda in the past have often been identified as drainage channels, cellars or other buried architectural remains.