{
  "id": 2286896,
  "title": "Mystery about discovery of tunnel sparks excitement in 500-year-old Golconda Fort in Hyderabad",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/mystery-about-discovery-of-tunnel-sparks-excitement-in-500-year-old",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T03:13:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/mystery-about-discovery-of-tunnel-sparks-excitement-in-500-year-old-golconda-fort-in-hyderabad/article71372065.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Excitement and sensation swept through Golconda Fort on Thursday evening and Friday morning after news broke of a tunnel discovered on the fort's outer walls. Kausar Mohiuddin, Karwan MLA, first shared the information on August 20, 2026 evening, prompting a rush of locals eager to witness the alleged tunnel. Mohiuddin asserted that the tunnel was unearthed during an excavation by the Indian Army at the historic 400-year-old Qutb Shahi graveyard and playground in 18 Seedi, Golconda. Mohiuddin claimed this illegal excavation was reported to the Superintendent of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) upon his instructions from AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi. The disputed 18 Seedi area has been a point of contention, with the Army staking claim to it while locals have been using it for burials to transform it into a graveyard. The open ground between Kala Chabutra and Athara Seedi is utilized by residents for cricket and gilli-danda. The source of the tunnel's discovery remains unclear, but the Golconda Fort, a centuries-old complex dating back to the Kakatiya and Qutb Shahi dynasties, has long been the subject of rumors regarding hidden tunnels and passages, some of which were reportedly stocked with treasure. The Indian Army has been contacted for comment as the story develops.",
  "summary": "The Golconda Fort is a multi-layered fort that dates back to the Kakatiya and Qutb Shahi dynasties. There have been rumours about secret tunnels and passages connecting the fort to various parts of Hyderabad including Charminar, Goshamahal, Chowmahalla Palace and Naubat Pahad.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tunnel discovered on Golconda Fort's outer walls sparks excitement.",
    "Tunnel found during Indian Army's excavation in 18 Seedi area.",
    "Golconda Fort, 500-year-old historic complex, subject of tunnel rumors."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The discovery of the tunnel at Golconda Fort has heightened excitement and speculation about the existence of hidden passages and treasure, potentially altering the site's historical narrative and local dynamics.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}