Azam Khan Walks Free After 23 Months in Jail
Senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Mohammad Azam Khan, 77, was released from Sitapur Jail on Tuesday after nearly 23 months of incarceration. His release comes after securing bail from the Allahabad High Court in the Quality Bar land encroachment case of Rampur.
A Delayed but Celebrated Release
Although Khan was expected to walk out by 7 a.m., his release was delayed due to procedural issues, and he finally stepped out at around 12:20 p.m.
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His son Adeeb Khan, SP MP Ruchi Vira, and hundreds of supporters greeted him outside the jail.
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His return has boosted the morale of party workers and sparked fresh debates on his political future.
SP Denies Rumors of Defection
In the wake of speculation that Khan might join the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), SP leader Shivpal Yadav dismissed such claims as “baseless.” He emphasized that:
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The Samajwadi Party stands firmly with Azam Khan.
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Khan had been “falsely implicated” in multiple cases and was a victim of political vendetta.
SP MP Ruchi Vira echoed this sentiment, calling Khan the most harassed political leader in free India and thanking the judiciary for granting him bail.
Political Significance of Khan’s Return
Khan’s release is expected to reshape political dynamics, especially in Rampur, Moradabad, and western Uttar Pradesh, which have significant Muslim-dominated constituencies.
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Despite his conviction in some cases, which may bar him and his son from contesting elections, Khan’s influence in Rampur and adjoining districts remains critical for the SP ahead of the 2027 UP Assembly elections.
Previous Incarcerations
This is not Khan’s first stint behind bars:
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Feb 2020 – May 2022: He spent 27 months in jail in a fake birth certificate case involving his son Abdullah Azam. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court in May 2022.
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Oct 2023: Re-incarcerated along with his wife Tazeen Fatima and son Abdullah Azam, after being sentenced to seven years in prison in the forged birth certificate case.
Convictions and Ongoing Cases
Azam Khan faces over 80 cases, many filed in 2019, ranging from land grabbing, criminal trespass, cheating, theft of goats and machinery, to encroachment. Key convictions include:
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2022: Sentenced to 3 years in a hate speech case during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, leading to his disqualification from the UP Assembly.
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2023: Sentenced to 7 years along with his wife and son for the fake birth certificate case.
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May 2024: Sentenced to 10 years in an eight-year-old case of looting and demolishing a house in Rampur (2016). Bail was granted in September 2025.
His wife Tazeen Fatima was released in May 2024, while his son Abdullah walked free earlier this year.
Akhilesh Yadav Hails the Release
SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav celebrated Khan’s release, calling it a moment of joy for the party. He stated:
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The SP always believed the court would grant justice.
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Alleged that BJP leaders and a “retired officer with numerous extensions” acted unjustly against Khan.
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Promised that all cases against Khan would be withdrawn if SP comes to power in UP.
Political Outlook
Azam Khan, a founder member of the Samajwadi Party, remains an influential figure in UP politics despite his legal troubles. His release is expected to:
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Revitalize SP’s base in western UP.
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Spark alliances or counter-strategies among rival parties.
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Keep him in the spotlight as a symbol of political victimhood ahead of 2027.
Key Takeaway:
Azam Khan’s freedom marks not just the release of a senior leader but a political turning point in Uttar Pradesh. While legal battles continue, his influence in Rampur and beyond ensures that he will remain a central figure in SP’s strategy and state politics.
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