Rampur Court Sentences Azam Khan and Son Abdullah to 7 Years in PAN Card Fraud Case

Rampur: Senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan and his son, former MLA Abdullah Azam, were sentenced to 7 years of rigorous imprisonment by the MP-MLA Magistrate Court of Rampur on Monday afternoon in the PAN card fraud case. Judge Shobhit Bansal held both of them guilty and also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 each.

When was Azam Khan released from jail?

Reports suggest that both were sent to judicial custody soon after the verdict. Azam Khan was released on bail only two months ago and was undergoing treatment. Now you will have to go to jail again. In 2019, this case registered on the complaint of BJP leader Akash Saxena gave a big blow to the SP. 

What is PAN card fraud?

The roots of the case lie in 2019, when Akash Saxena (now city MLA) lodged an FIR against Abdullah at the Civil Lines police station. The allegation was that Abdullah made two PAN cards from two different birth certificates and used them at the behest of Azam Khan. The verdict was announced after the arguments of both the sides were completed in the court. Azam and Abdullah appeared, but could not escape punishment. ADGC Sandeep Saxena said that the court has convicted him in fraud and also imposed 7 years imprisonment and 50 thousand fine.

Two months after Azam's release, he is in jail again, what is the stir in SP?

After the verdict, both were sent directly to jail. Recently, after being released from jail, Azam met Akhilesh Yadav, now he will return to jail again. SP leader Akhilesh has maintained silence till now, but there is a stir in the party. Rampur has been Azam's stronghold for SP. His defeat may affect the Lok Sabha elections. Is Abdullah's politics in danger? The family did not give any statement, but lawyer Rameshwar Sharma announced an appeal in the High Court.

Why did Azam Khan's troubles increase - the journey from 2019 FIR to Rampur Court?

In 2019, a case was registered on Saxena's complaint. The trial took place in MP-MLA court. Misuse of two PAN cards was proved. Azam's file is already long with many cases. This punishment will prove to be a new chapter. BJP called it 'victory of law' and SP called it 'political conspiracy.' Will SP's base weaken in Rampur?