Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh — Abdullah Azam Khan, the former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) and son of veteran Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan, was released from Hardoi jail on February 25, 2023, after spending 17 months behind bars. His release followed the grant of bail by the MP/MLA special magistrate trial court, which had approved his bail related to accusations involving enemy property.
Around 12 noon, Abdullah emerged from the prison, dressed in a white kurta-pyjama paired with a dark-colored sleeveless waistcoat, sporting a neatly-combed ponytail and flanked by security personnel. His unexpected return to freedom drew enthusiastic support from party functionaries and supporters who had gathered outside the jail to welcome him.
Judge Shobhit Bansal of the trial court recently approved Abdullah's bail, though his release had been delayed due to procedural issues surrounding bail verification. Since his arrest, Abdullah Azam Khan had faced numerous legal challenges, with 45 cases registered against him over the years, including serious allegations of machine theft. Remarkably, he has managed to secure bail for all of these cases.
The media frenzy surrounding his release only intensified as supporters, including Moradabad MP and fellow SP leader Ruchi Veera, arrived en masse to celebrate. “We had confidence in the judiciary before, and we still do. Justice has been served, and we are grateful,” Veera expressed, reinforcing her faith in the justice system.
His lawyer, Satnam Singh Nattu, addressed reporters outside Hardoi jail, stating, “Mohammad Azam Khan and his family were persecuted and imprisoned. Today, we thank God for paving the way for Abdullah Bhai's release. He will finally walk free and return home today.” His words capture the spirit of relief and vindication felt not only by Abdullah but by his supporters who have long championed the Khan family's cause.
Despite the successful conclusion of his bail proceedings, Abdullah's father, Azam Khan, remains incarcerated at Sitapur jail, facing multiple additional cases stemming from his political career. Abdullah's release is seen as both significant and symbolic for the SP, which has stood by the Khan family during their legal tribulations.
Importantly, the charge against Abdullah Azam Khan related to enemy property had roots tracing back to 2020, when allegations initially surfaced. While the Uttar Pradesh Police had issued clean chit initially, subsequent reinvestigations initiated by local authorities rekindled the charges against both Abdullah and his father.
The release took place amid hefty security measures. Once freed, Abdullah Khan made his way to Rampur, greeting well-wishers who had gathered to celebrate his homecoming. Although he remained reticent about addressing the media directly at the time, his team indicated he would be available for commentary later.
Ruchi Veera later reiterated her commitment to the judicial process, emphasizing the procedural delays; her sentiments echoed the relief felt by many who had anxiously awaited Abdullah's return. “Finally, we have clarity, and we are happy justice has been done,” she added, signifying not just personal exultation but broader political optimism within the SP cadre.
Abdullah Azam Khan's release and the immediate reactions surrounding it encapsulate the turbulent nature of political and judicial affairs within Uttar Pradesh. His long-term connection to his father – who recently faced conviction and remains jailed – creates both challenges and opportunities within their party dynamics.
The Khan family's saga continues to dominate discussions about due process and fairness within Indian political circles. While Abdullah steps back onto the political stage after his long absence, how he navigates the challenges posed by his father’s incarceration, the unresolved legal matters, and public perception will likely become focal points of interest.