Samajwadi Party Leader Azam Khan Arrested by ED Minutes After Release from Rampur Jail

Senior Samajwadi Party leader and former MP Azam Khan was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) outside the Rampur district jail on Saturday, shortly after walking out of the prison following nearly 11 months in custody, according to reports published by the Times of India.

Arrest Details and Background

• Incident Date: Saturday (reporting date)
• Location: Rampur district jail, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Reporting Outlet: Times of India

According to agency sources cited by the publication, Azam Khan was arrested in connection with a 2019 Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Sources indicated he was likely to be produced before a court in Ghaziabad.

Prior to the arrest, Khan and his son, Abdullah Azam, had been granted bail and had their sentences suspended by the Allahabad High Court in a dual PAN card case in an order passed on October 29. However, the court reportedly declined to stay their convictions, meaning their disqualification from contesting elections remains in force.

Official Confirmations and Reactions

Rampur jail superintendent Rajesh Yadav confirmed to the reporting outlet that jail authorities had received release orders in 50 cases involving Azam Khan and 40 cases involving Abdullah. While Abdullah Azam was released and returned home, ED officials questioned Azam Khan outside the prison premises before taking him into custody in a vehicle.

• ED team and approximately 24 CRPF personnel were deployed outside Rampur jail prior to the release.
• A large gathering of supporters had assembled outside the prison.
• During questioning by ED officials, Khan reportedly engaged in a heated exchange and reacted emotionally to the development, stating that the action was a consequence of being a Muslim and establishing a university.

Ongoing Proceedings and Verification

The ED's 2019 ECIR involves allegations of financial irregularities and land-grabbing matters linked to the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and the university established by it. Khan had been lodged in Rampur jail since November 17, 2025.

Readers seeking to verify details of ongoing legal proceedings can consult official orders from the Allahabad High Court or statements released by the Enforcement Directorate.