The news stories about the death of Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, president of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, doing rounds are fake.
He is very much alive and recovering at home, a source close to him announced.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad spokesperson Vinod Bansal told reporters that it was unfortunate that social media was amplifying incorrect news about Das’ health.
“The health of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirtha Kshetra Ayodhya’s president and Mani Ram Das Chavni Mahant Pujya Shri Nrit Gopal Das Ji Maharaj is improving. He has been staying at his residence Mani Ram Das Chavni Ayodhya for the last five days and is recovering. Today, on Tuesday, misleading news about his health is being spread through the propaganda machinery on social media and some other places, which is a matter of concern and regret,” Bansal said in an official statement.
श्रीराम जन्मभूमि ट्रस्ट के अध्यक्ष महंत नृत्य गोपाल दास के निधन की खबरें हैं झूठी, मीडिया प्रभारी ने दी ये जानकारी#Ayodhya #UttarPradesh https://t.co/aPIHCarNPt
— ABP Ganga (@AbpGanga) October 1, 2024
The 86-year-old Mahant, who was receiving medical treatment in a Gwalior hospital till a few weeks ago, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Medanta Hospital in Lucknow on September 8, 2024 after his condition showed no improvement.
In a medical bulletin at that time, the hospital had said that he was admitted in a critical condition after falling ill due to a urinary problem and low food intake.
However, it had reassured all concerned that a team of medical experts of Medanta Lucknow was constantly working to ensure better treatment for Das.
Meanwhile, the VHP also appeal to the disciples of the Mahant not to pay heed to misleading news reports.
According to reports, Das has been struggling with health issues since 2019, particularly related to urinary problems and inability to eat. He was hospitalized several times over the past four years.
A prominent figure in Ayodhya, Das is the head of the Mani Ram Das Ki Chavani temple and the chief of the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, a trust established by the Vishva Hindu Parishad in January 1993 following the demolition of Babri Masjid.
This trust oversees the construction of the Ram temple.
Born on June 11, 1938, in Kerhala village, Mathura, Das has played a significant role in building several important temples in Ayodhya, including the Ramayan Bhavan, Shri Rangnath temple, and Shri Char Dham temple.
His involvement with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement spans several decades.
He also survived a bomb attack with minor injuries in 2001.