Lucknow: Senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan walked out of Sitapur Jail after spending 23 months in custody. He was received by his sons, Adeeb Khan and Abdullah Azam, before heading to his hometown Rampur.
Khan faced 72 criminal cases ranging from land encroachment to fraud. He secured bail in all cases over the past months. Recently, Rampur’s MP-MLA court cleared the final 19 cases, including the Quality Bar case, enabling his release.
A last-minute hurdle emerged when a pending fine of ₹8,000 was discovered. His son Adeeb ensured immediate payment, after which jail authorities confirmed his release.
Supporters gathered outside Sitapur Jail in large numbers, but police imposed Section 144 and issued challans to 15 vehicles. Despite tensions, Khan’s family and supporters remained calm. SP MP Ruchi Vira was also blocked from meeting him at the jail, sparking political controversy.
Khan left without speaking to the media, but his return to Rampur carries political weight. Observers suggest he may restart his political career, possibly outside the Samajwadi Party.
SP President Akhilesh Yadav welcomed the release, stating that Khan had been falsely implicated. Abdullah Azam expressed gratitude to Yadav for standing by the family during their legal battles.
Khan’s next move is awaited, as questions remain whether he will continue with the SP or form a new political alliance.
