Supporters gather in large numbers as Abdullah Azam walks out of prison following a court’s decision
Team Clarion
HARDOI — Abdullah Azam Khan, son of prominent Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, was released from Hardoi jail on Tuesday after spending nearly 17 months in custody. His release came after a court granted him bail in connection with a fraud case involving two birth certificates.
Abdullah Azam, a former Samajwadi Party MLA, was sentenced to seven years in 2023 by a court in the case. After being initially placed in Rampur district jail, he, along with his father and mother, Tazeen Fatima, was later shifted to Hardoi and Sitapur for security reasons. While Tazeen Fatima was granted bail earlier, Abdullah Azam remained behind bars.
Abdullah Azam’s release follows the completion of necessary legal formalities and verification of sureties, as explained by his lawyer, Nasir Sultan. “The court granted bail a few days ago, and after the verification process was completed, the release warrant was issued on Monday. He has been released today,” Sultan said.
The news of Abdullah Azam’s release brought joy to his supporters, who gathered in large numbers outside the Hardoi district jail. Among the crowd were Samajwadi Party leaders, including Moradabad SP MP Ruchi Vora, who expressed confidence in the judicial process. “There was trust in the court earlier, and there is still trust. Justice has been done, and it will continue to be done,” Vora said.
Supporters from Rampur and other districts arrived at the jail, eager to welcome Abdullah Azam. However, the police, citing the imposition of Section 144 in the district, cautioned against large gatherings. As a result, supporters stood in smaller groups, maintaining a presence outside the jail as the news spread.