SP's Azam Khan released from Sitapur jail after 2 years
What's the story
Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan was released from Sitapur jail after nearly two years of incarceration. His release came after he was granted bail in all cases against him, news agency ANI reported. On September 18, the Allahabad High Court granted him bail in the Quality Bar land encroachment case in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur district.
Legal developments
Bail granted after hearing arguments
The bail was granted by a bench of Justice Samir Jain after hearing arguments from all parties involved in the case. The Quality Bar land encroachment case was filed against Khan's wife, Tazeen Fatma, son Abdullah Azam, and Syed Jafar Ali Jafri in 2019. Khan was later named an accused during a reinvestigation. In another development, Khan was acquitted last week by a special MP-MLA court in a 17-year-old case related to road blockade and damage to public property.
Anticipated gathering
Prohibitory orders issued ahead of Khan's release
Ahead of his release, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prevent any violence. The police also used drones for surveillance due to anticipated large gatherings in support of Khan. Despite these measures, a large number of supporters reached near the jail, causing traffic congestion.
Political reactions
Akhilesh Yadav welcomes court's decision
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav welcomed the court's decision and Khan's release. Yadav said, " I would like to thank the court for this. We, the Samajwadis, believed that the court would do justice. We hope that in the time to come, no false cases will be filed and no injustice will be done by the BJP." SP MLA Shivpal Singh Yadav also welcomed the court's decision, denying speculations of Khan joining BSP.