Burnt instrument panel on backside

1996 was still reasonably simple analog electronics so you could replace components. Perhaps all components on the dash circuit board are still detailed in the schematics, as they were in our old cars. But, probably easier to just swap circuit boards. I don't think my 1996 Voyager has any security devices. My 2002 T&C does have the SKIM security, but I don't think that involves the dash cluster, just a pickup near the key and the engine controller box.

If the voltage regulator failed, that could cause over-voltage. I think all 1990+ Mopars have the Vreg inside the engine controller. It is a fairly stand-alone circuit and was just included there for cost. You can find Dodge truck sites where they cut the wires and installed a 1970's Vreg when that circuit failed. Buy a cheap cigarette-lighter voltmeter to monitor as you drive.

I agree there is a spot next to the capacitor where some component was vaporized. If you can make out the lettering, that would tell you what (C = capacitor, D = diode, ...).