Azam Khan Walks Free After 23 Months: Jubilation, Skepticism, and the Long Shadow of Justice
Lucknow: On a crisp Tuesday morning, the gates of Sitapur jail opened for Mohammad Azam Khan, the 77-year-old senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister, ending a 23-month incarceration that had kept the state’s political circles on edge.
As he stepped out, hundreds of supporters erupted in cheers, waving banners, honking horns, and celebrating their leader’s return. Yet, beyond the jubilation, a cloud of skepticism loomed over his release.
Khan left for Rampur immediately, avoiding the media spotlight. His release had faced delays of nearly two hours due to pending formalities in some old cases—certain release bonds and fines had not been deposited. Only after the courts reopened and these procedural hurdles were cleared could the jail authorities officially grant his freedom.
Security and Chaos Outside the Jail
The Sitapur administration, anticipating the massive turnout, had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS around the jail area.
But supporters, determined to greet their leader, managed to bypass restrictions, creating traffic congestion and a chaotic atmosphere. For many SP loyalists, this moment was not just a release—it was a symbolic victory against what they perceive as political persecution.
The SP’s Stand: Framing Allegations
Senior party leader Shivpal Singh Yadav defended Khan, saying, “Injustice was being done continuously to Mohammad Azam Khan Saheb and his family.
His bail highlights that the family will ultimately get justice. Our party stands solidly behind them and will legally fight the BJP against this persecution and false cases.” For the SP, this was a moment of vindication, a triumph against what they have long described as a politically motivated crackdown.
Public Skepticism and Legal Reality
Yet, outside the fervor of SP supporters, a vast segment of the electorate remained disenchanted. Many questioned why criminal proceedings had dragged on for nearly two years and what Khan’s release meant in terms of accountability.
Legal experts emphasized that bail does not equate to exoneration, noting that the law must now follow its natural course.
A legal analyst commented, “Time was a crucial factor in this case. Until a final verdict is delivered, one cannot conclude that all allegations are false or that he has been fully exonerated. We must wait and see what justice ultimately decides.”
A Nation Divided
Khan’s release reflects the divided sentiment surrounding politically sensitive figures in India. While his supporters celebrated with unrestrained joy, the broader public’s reaction was tempered by caution, skepticism, and a reminder that the justice system operates independently of political clout.
For now, the story of Mohammad Azam Khan is far from over, and all eyes remain on the legal battles ahead.
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