Lucknow, Sep 23 (NationPress) Founder of the Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party, Swami Prasad Maurya, expressed his thoughts on the recent release of senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and former Uttar Pradesh Minister Mohammad Azam Khan, who was freed from Sitapur Jail after spending nearly 23 months incarcerated.

In an interview with IANS, Maurya stated, "The Samajwadi Party has never been a reliable ally for him. It is quite unfortunate and disheartening that the party for which Azam Khan has suffered greatly, the party he was once revered in, failed to stand by him during his times of hardship."

He continued, "The BJP, with malicious intent, kept him imprisoned on trivial charges like goat theft and chicken theft. Despite a distinguished political career, having been elected to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly nearly ten times and serving in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, the BJP's treatment of him is a reflection of their petty mindset and deserves condemnation."

When asked about Khan's potential political future, Maurya remarked, "Rather than speculate, we should wait for Azam Khan to articulate his plans. He has just been released, and the political gossip has already begun. He has had a significant and influential career, and will undoubtedly take time to make informed decisions."

Earlier, Azam Khan's release from Sitapur Jail was postponed for a few hours. Although he was expected to be released at 8:00 A.M., he initially forgot to settle the Rs 8,000 fine in two cases.

His lawyer, Sadnam Singh, eventually paid the fine in court, leading to the subsequent verification and release.

Sadnam shared with reporters, "The fine against Azam Khan has been cleared. I delivered the receipt to the jailer."

In anticipation of his release, prohibitory orders under Section 144 were enacted in Sitapur city.

Authorities announced via loudspeakers, advising against public gatherings near the jail.

Despite these restrictions, a significant number of SP workers, leaders, and supporters gathered outside the jail. Authorities had to disperse the crowd, and multiple vehicles in the vicinity were fined.

Previously, Sitapur Circle Officer Vinayak Bhosle stated, "Everyone knows the city's roads are narrow, and with Navratri celebrations drawing many people, we cannot allow anyone to linger here without a valid reason. Section 144 is in effect, and we are enforcing it by clearing the roads."

SP district president Chhatrapal Singh Yadav prepared to welcome Azam Khan, saying, "We are here to greet him as he is our leader. His return will further fortify the party."

SP MLA Anil Kumar Verma, who also attended to welcome the senior leader, remarked, "Finally, the legal proceedings have concluded. We express our gratitude to the court for this outcome."

Azam Khan had been granted bail on September 18 by the Allahabad High Court in the Quality Bar land grab case. The FIR for this case was lodged at the Civil Lines Police Station in Rampur, leading him to petition the High Court for bail.

On September 10, the Allahabad High Court had previously granted him bail in another case regarding the alleged forced removal of residents from Rampur's Dungarpur colony.

Before these events, Khan had been acquitted by a specialized MP-MLA court in a 17-year-old case concerning allegations of road blockades and public property damage.