Handcuffs and Prison Gear: SP Supporters Storm Kushinagar for Azam Khan
Samajwadi Party activists and the Muslim community protest in Kushinagar, demanding the release of Azam Khan and an end to political vendettas.
The streets of Kushinagar witnessed a dramatic scene on November 3, 2026, as members of the Muslim community and activists from the Samajwadi Party (SP) took to the roads to launch a fierce Azam Khan arrest protest. In a bid to draw attention to their grievances, the demonstrators didn't just carry banners; they transformed themselves into symbols of incarceration to protest the detention of the veteran party leader.
A Symbolic March for Justice
The protest was marked by a striking visual display. Demonstrators marched toward the District Magistrate's office dressed in prison-like attire, with many wearing handcuffs to signify the "shackles" they believe have been unfairly placed upon Azam Khan and his family. This symbolic procession was led by the SP District President, Ram Awadh Yadav, who steered the crowd in their demand for the leader's immediate liberation.
Demands Sent to the President
Upon reaching the District Magistrate's office, the protesters submitted a formal memorandum addressed to the President of India. The document outlined several critical demands aimed at overturning the current legal situation surrounding the SP leader:
- The immediate release of Azam Khan from custody.
- The complete withdrawal of all legal cases filed against Azam Khan and his family members.
- A call for an impartial investigation into the matters, specifically requesting oversight by the Supreme Court of India.
- A comprehensive inquiry into allegations regarding the harassment of the Muslim community and the registration of what the protesters described as "fake cases."
Allegations of Political Vendetta
The atmosphere during the protest was charged with accusations against the state administration. Protesters alleged that since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government took power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, Azam Khan and his kin have been the targets of a systematic political vendetta. They claimed that the various lawsuits filed against him are fabricated and designed to silence a political opponent.
The Legal Backdrop
The current unrest stems from Azam Khan's placement in judicial custody. He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in relation to a money laundering investigation involving Jauhar University. While the authorities maintain the legal necessity of the arrest, the SP supporters view it as another link in a chain of political persecution.
Local administration officials acknowledged the protest and received the memorandum, providing assurances to the gathered crowd that the demands would be forwarded to the office of the President of India for review.