Monk begging alone in Oukkyin market, forced to disrobe and charged under Section 295(a)

A man who was begging alone in the market in Oukkyin Township, Bago Region, dressed as a monk, was forced to disrobe after being investigated for compliance with religious regulations and handed over to the relevant police force, where he was charged under Section 295(a), according to the Oukkyin Township Sasana Thathana Hlaing Ye (Religious and Cultural Preservation) Committee. The incident occurred when information was received that a man dressed as a monk was begging alone in a disheveled state in the Oukkyin Township market. The Sasana Thathana Hlaing Ye Committee sent disciple monks to summon and investigate the beggar. However, the beggar attempted to punch the disciple monks, leading to his arrest and investigation. It was also revealed that the man was from the Katote Phaya Gyi region in Oukkyin Township. Furthermore, it was revealed that among the items found with the man were a monk qualification certificate with self-written titles, a copy of his release from prison, a woman's folding umbrella, a shoulder bag, Chee tickets, and 125,600 Kyats in donations. In relation to this incident, after reporting to and receiving guidance from the Chairman of the Oukkyin Township Sangha Nayaka Committee, the beggar was made to disrobe and handed over to the relevant police force. The market ward administrator filed a complaint, and charges were pressed under Section 295(a) for causing the depreciation of Sasana (Buddhism). There have been previous actions taken regarding begging in Oukkyin Township under the guise of religion. On August 31, a group that was renting a house and begging by touring in a motor vehicle was arrested and prosecuted by the relevant authorities. In that previous incident, six men, including the driver, and one woman were arrested, and further investigations and legal actions were carried out.