LUCKNOW: For decades, bespectacled Champat Rai has been one of the most recognisable faces associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.Known among many in the temple town as the “encyclopedia of Ayodhya” for his deep knowledge of its history, traditions and legal records, Rai has been closely linked with the Ram temple movement since the 1980s.From the courtroom battle over the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute to the construction of the grand temple after the Supreme Court verdict, Rai remained one of the key figures involved in documenting, coordinating and shaping the movement.As the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Rai played a central role in overseeing the temple project after the Supreme Court’s 2019 verdict paved the way for construction. He was present during the ‘bhoomi pujan’ ceremony on August 5, 2020, and remained involved in the temple’s development.However, his decades-long association with the Ram temple movement has now come under a fresh spotlight after he stepped down amid the controversy over alleged misappropriation of donations received at the Ram temple.According to sources, Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned, taking moral responsibility after an FIR was registered in the alleged donation theft case. The FIR was registered following recommendations of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Uttar Pradesh government.The case names eight accused, all of whom have been arrested, according to officials. The accused were associated with the process of counting cash and valuables received as donations at the temple.Who is Champat Rai?1. The man behind the Ram temple’s administrative machineryChampat Rai served as the general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, the body responsible for overseeing the construction and management of the Ram temple.After the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi case, Rai became one of the key people handling the temple’s construction process.2. Known as the ‘encyclopedia of Ayodhya’Rai earned this description because of his extensive knowledge of Ayodhya’s history, geography, religious traditions and the decades-long Ram temple movement.His familiarity with old records and local details made him an important figure during the legal battle.3. ‘Record-keeper of Ram Lalla’ during the legal battleDuring the Ram Janmabhoomi case, Rai often assisted lawyers representing the Hindu side by providing documentary evidence related to the claim that Ram Lalla’s birthplace was at the disputed site.His role was closely associated with collecting and preserving historical records.4. Long association with the Ram temple movementRai’s connection with the movement goes back to the 1980s when the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign gained momentum.He worked with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which was spearheading the movement.5. Participated in the 1992 karsevaRai was among those who actively participated in the karseva on December 6, 1992, the day the Babri mosque structure was demolished.6. From chemistry lecturer to full-time temple movement organiserBefore joining the temple movement, Rai was a chemistry lecturer at RSM Degree College in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh.He was known as a teacher before becoming a full-time activist associated with the VHP.7. Emergency arrest and RSS connectionBorn as Champat Rai Bansal in 1946 in Bijnor district, Rai was drawn towards the RSS ideology from a young age.His associates recall that he was arrested during the Emergency in 1975 over alleged links with the RSS.One associate recalled that police arrived to arrest him while he was delivering a chemistry lecture. Rai reportedly asked them to wait until he completed his class, and the police agreed.He remained in jail for 18 months and was moved between different prisons.8. Joined VHP after leaving teaching careerAfter his release from jail, Rai quit his lecturer job and joined the VHP, becoming involved in organising support for the Ram temple movement.He worked extensively in the Awadh region, mobilising people for the campaign.9. Senior VHP leaderApart from his role in the Ram temple trust, Rai also holds the position of international vice-president of VHP.10. A low-profile but influential figureUnlike many public leaders associated with the movement, Rai has largely remained an organisational figure rather than a mass politician.His influence came through documentation, coordination and behind-the-scenes work.11. Closely associated with the construction phase of the templeFrom the foundation ceremony in 2020 to the temple’s construction, Rai was among the people overseeing the process.He was involved in the project’s administrative and organisational aspects.12. Now at the centre of a political controversyThe current controversy began after allegations surfaced over alleged embezzlement of donations received at the Ram temple.The Uttar Pradesh government formed an SIT after a request from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.An FIR was registered and eight accused were arrested.Amid the controversy, Rai stepped down, according to sources, taking moral responsibility.Donation row: What HappenedThe controversy surfaced after allegations of misappropriation of temple donations.The Uttar Pradesh government formed a three-member SIT to investigate the allegations.The SIT submitted its preliminary report, following which an FIR was registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including sections related to theft by a clerk or servant, criminal breach of trust, receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy.Police later confirmed that all eight people named in the FIR were arrested.The matter has also triggered a political battle, with the opposition raising questions over the allegations, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused critics of targeting the Ram temple issue for political reasons.(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
