India, Feb. 12 -- Acharya Satyendra Das, chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, passed away at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) Lucknow , said a press statement issued by the institute. He was 83.

Acharya Satyendra Das was admitted in HDU of Neurology ward on February 3, following a brain stroke on February 2, in critical condition.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath had visited SGPGI on February 4 to take stock of the health of Acharya Satyendra Das.

Das was the priest even on December 6 1992, when the Babri Masjid was demolished. He was the one who shifted the idols to nearby Fakire Mandir before the demolition and after the demolition, he placed the idols in makeshift temple at Ram Janmbhoo...