Eight Years After Controversy, SP Leader Azam Khan Acquitted in Alleged Remark Against Army Personnel

The case stemmed from a 2017 election rally in which Khan was accused of making a controversial statement concerning Army soldiers. The complaint was originally filed by Akash Saxena, who is now the BJP’s sitting MLA from the city constituency. After years of proceedings, the court concluded that the material presented could not support the allegations, clearing Khan of wrongdoing in this specific case.

Despite Wednesday’s relief, Khan remains in custody at Rampur District Jail. He is currently serving a seven-year sentence handed down after he and his son, Abdullah Azam, were convicted in a case related to the possession of two PAN cards.

The acquittal marks a significant legal development for the veteran SP leader, even as his broader legal battles continue to shape the political narrative in Rampur and beyond. The court’s decision underscores the importance of evidentiary standards in politically sensitive cases and is likely to influence the ongoing discourse surrounding Khan’s future and the wider political landscape in Uttar Pradesh.