Senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan walked out of Sitapur Jail in Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday, after 23 months.
Khan, 77, a former minister in Uttar Pradesh, was acquitted by a special MP-MLA court last week in a 17-year-old case related to road blockade and damage to public property. The case dates back to 2008, when Khan allegedly created disturbance near Chhajlet police station after police removed the hooter from his car.
Khan, along with his supporters, blocked the road causing a traffic jam. The protest turned violent and some electric poles were damaged, leading to the registration of a case against Khan.
Khan’s release from Sitapur jail will be delayed by a few hours. He was to be released at 8.00 AM on Tuesday, September 23. However, he forgot to pay the fine of ₹8,000 in two cases.
Khan must pay the fine in court; afterwards, he will be sent to Sitapur Jail for verification. Only then will he be released.
Ahead of his release, prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been enforced in Sitapur city. Police are making announcements through loudspeakers, warning people against assembling near the jail
