Babri Masjid Demolition Case: Former UP CM Kalyan Singh Taken Into Custody As CBI Court Frames Charges Against Him

The special CBI court in Lucknow on Friday (27 September) framed charges against senior BJP leader and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh in connection with the Babri Masjid demolition case.

Charges have been framed against the BJP leader under Sections 153 A, 153 B (unlawful assembly of people), 295 A (inciting religious sentiments), 505 (statements conducing public mischief) and 120B.

Earlier in the day, Kalyan Singh surrendered in court and was taken into custody.

Thereafter, his counsels moved a bail application which was accepted on a personal bond of Rs two lakh.

The court had, last week, ordered the CBI to produce Kalyan Singh on 27 September after he ceased to have legal immunity following the end of his term as Governor of Rajasthan.

"We have been informed that a new Governor has been appointed in the state of Rajasthan and Kalyan Singh has been relieved from the duties of his position. Taking suo motu cognizance of this, the court directs CBI to issue summon for Kalyan Singh's presence in the court on 27 September," the court order said.

On September 9, Kalyan Singh had rejoined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after completing his term as Rajasthan Governor, a post which had accorded him immunity.

Singh was the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh when the Babri Masjid was razed on 6 December in 1992.

Besides Kalyan Singh, L K Advani, Uma Bharti, and Murli Manohar Joshi were accused in the case. Except for Kalyan Singh, all other BJP leaders had been granted bail.

(With inputs from IANS)