Former Home Secretary S. Laxmi Narayan expressed relief on 6 July after the 151-kg gold-plated Ramcharitmanas — donated by him and his wife to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya — was restored to the sanctum sanctorum and placed back on public display for devotees. The development comes days after he publicly alleged that the sacred scripture had gone missing due to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's negligence, drawing widespread attention to alleged financial and administrative irregularities at the temple.

What Laxmi Narayan Said

'I am very happy that the Ramcharitmanas has now been placed here and is being worshipped. My faith has been restored, and I am happy now,' the former top bureaucrat said. He also expressed confidence that the state administration would hold the perpetrators of the alleged theft and embezzlement accountable.

How the Scripture Went Missing

According to S. Laxmi Narayan, the gold-plated Ramcharitmanas was displayed at the Ram Temple for the first five months after its donation, allowing devotees to view and venerate it. It was subsequently removed and reportedly kept in a guard room, without any explanation or formal acknowledgement from the Trust. 'Earlier, it was worshipped but later removed and kept in a guard room. When I raised the issue, no attention was paid to it,' he stated.

Fingers Pointed at Trust's General Secretary

The former Home Secretary directed his criticism squarely at Champat Rai, the Trust's General Secretary, holding him responsible for the temple's administration during the period when the alleged loot — including the disappearance of the golden scripture — reportedly occurred. He said he had repeatedly requested Champat Rai to keep the Ramcharitmanas on public display, but was told the Trust could not fulfil every donor's wishes. Laxmi Narayan also said he approached RSS chief seeking assistance after his concerns were ignored.

Letters to PM Modi and CM Yogi

After reports of alleged theft of Ram Temple donations surfaced, S. Laxmi Narayan wrote letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, seeking information about the whereabouts of the gold Ramcharitmanas. This is not the first time the Ram Temple Trust has faced scrutiny — allegations of financial irregularities at the shrine have surfaced on multiple occasions since its consecration.

What Happens Next

With the scripture now back in the sanctum sanctorum, S. Laxmi Narayan said he hopes the Uttar Pradesh government will act decisively against those responsible for the alleged embezzlement of cash and offerings. The broader question of administrative accountability at one of India's most prominent religious sites remains open, with the Trust yet to offer a public explanation for the scripture's removal.