After spending 23 months behind bars, senior Samajwadi Party leader Mohammad Azam Khan was finally released from jail on Tuesday.
He exited the prison in a car, waving to supporters who had gathered outside. His sons, Adeeb and Abdullah, were present to receive him. Speaking to the media, Adeeb said, “Today’s hero is Azam Sahab.”
In anticipation of his release, security was tightened around the jail, with 100 police personnel deployed. Azam’s release was initially scheduled for 9 AM on Tuesday, but last-minute legal complications delayed the process.
A case in the Rampur court had imposed a fine of Rs 6,000 on Khan. Since the fine had not been paid, his release was halted. The amount was eventually paid by a relative as soon as the court opened at 10 AM, and the payment confirmation was emailed to the jail authorities, clearing the path for his release.
Azam Khan has faced a total of 104 cases over the years. Just five days ago, the High Court granted him bail in a case related to illegal possession of a bar. However, immediately afterward, police added new charges under the Enemy Property Act, which once again stalled his release. On September 20, a Rampur court dismissed those additional charges, making way for his final bail approval.
Azam Khan’s reaction after exiting jail
After being released from Sitapur jail, SP leader Azam Khan said, “Thanks to everyone. My blessings to all (who supported him.”
Meanwhile, on speculations of him joining BSP, he stated, “This can be explained only by those who are making the speculations…I did not meet anyone in jail. I was not allowed to make a phone call…So, I have been completely out of touch for 5 years…”
#WATCH | Shahjahanpur, UP: On a question of vendetta politics, after being released from Sitapur jail, SP leader Azam Khan says, “Vendetta comes into play only if I caused someone some harm. I have behaved well, even with my enemies. Nobody can claim that I did an injustice to… pic.x.com/esc1cadzrk
— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2025
While responding to a question regarding vendetta politics against afetr he is out from jail, he said that vendetta comes into play only if he had wronged someone, he said, adding that he had treated even his adversaries fairly and no one could accuse him of injustice.
On Akhilesh Yadav’s remark that cases against him would be withdrawn if the SP formed the government, he said he had nothing more to add.