Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh — After 23 months behind bars, Senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan has finally been released on bail. The former Uttar Pradesh minister stepped out of Sitapur Jail early Tuesday amid heightened security and waves of support from party workers and family. Dressed in his customary white kurta-pyjama with a black waistcoat, Khan avoided media interaction as he left, but the emotion around his release was plain for all to see.
Azam’s son, Adeeb, was there at the jail gates along with hundreds of SP workers waving flags and cheering. Among them were key party figures — former MLA Anup Gupta, MP Ruchi Vira, and others — who welcomed him with relief and celebration. “Azam Khan is the hero of the day,” Adeeb declared, while party leaders called this moment a triumph of justice after what they described as prolonged legal harassment.
Before his release, Khan was acquitted last week in a 17-year-old case involving a road blockade and damage to public property. That case dated back to 2008. Also, several of the many cases filed against him now have bail orders in place, and required formalities like surety verification have been completed.
SP President Akhilesh Yadav welcomed the release, pledging that once the SP returns to power in Uttar Pradesh, all “false” cases against Azam Khan will be withdrawn. He argued that Khan has been targeted unfairly over the years. Meanwhile, the district administration had imposed prohibitory orders around the jail area to prevent unrest, but large numbers of supporters still gathered.
Even as Khan breathes free air again, his legal path remains crowded — numerous cases remain pending against him, and some could still lead to court appearances. Still, today marks a significant day for his family, his party, and many who believe the legal pendulum has finally shifted in his favor.
