In the case involving the alleged misuse of donations and offerings made by devotees to the Ayodhya Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, eight accused could face life imprisonment if convicted. Ayodhya police registered the case based on an interim report submitted by the SIT constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government. The reason for the severity is the inclusion of the strictest sections of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in the FIR. Eight named accused along with several unidentified individuals have been booked under BNS Sections 61, 306, 316, and 317 on charges of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and concealment of stolen property.
The Charges Explained
Criminal Conspiracy (Section 61): This section applies when two or more persons plan to commit an illegal act or to carry out a legal act through illegal means. When a conspiracy is hatched for offences punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment exceeding two years, the conspirators face the same punishment as those who actually commit the primary offence.
Theft by Clerk or Servant (Section 306): This section applies when a clerk or employee steals property belonging to or under the control of their employer. If convicted, the accused faces up to seven years in prison along with a mandatory fine.
Criminal Breach of Trust (Section 316-5): This is the most serious charge in the case. It applies when a public servant, banker, merchant, or agent fraudulently misappropriates property or money entrusted to them. Conviction under this section can result in imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life, along with a fine.
Concealment of Stolen Property (Section 317): Habitually receiving, concealing, buying, or dealing in stolen property can attract up to 10 years in prison or life imprisonment under Section 317(4). Those who voluntarily assist in concealing stolen property face up to three years in prison or a fine under Section 317(5).
Investigation Ongoing
Following serious allegations of misuse of Ram Temple donations, the SIT inquiry ordered by the UP government has already revealed preliminary facts. The investigation is currently continuing, with police examining the financial records, electronic evidence, and witness statements of the accused to determine the extent of each individual’s role in the case.