India
ED Detains SP Leader Azam Khan Immediately After Bail Release
By Mayank Kumar
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) detained senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan outside Rampur jail in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, October 31, 2026, after he was released on bail in an alleged PAN fraud case, officials said. The 78‑year‑old Khan may soon be arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). On October 29, the Allahabad High Court suspended the sentence of Khan and his son Abdullah Azam Khan in the alleged dual PAN card case and granted them bail. SP president Akhilesh Yadav criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the action against Khan, writing on X that the current government was fostering a wrong trend and that the conspiracy to file cases against the respected leader was being seen worldwide. He said it was a cowardly act to trap an elderly person in frivolous cases and repeatedly imprison him. Senior SP leader Sudhir Panwar added that Khan’s arrest smacked of political vendetta, noting that Khan was the only leader languishing in jail on frivolous charges simply because he established a university for disadvantaged sections. He said Khan’s words outside the jail highlighted state discrimination against Muslim leaders in implementing the rule of law.
Frequently asked questions
When was Azam Khan detained by the Enforcement Directorate?
On Saturday, October 31, 2026.
What was the legal basis for Azam Khan's bail before he was detained?
He was released on bail in an alleged PAN fraud case.
What did the Allahabad High Court decide regarding Azam Khan and his son on October 29?
It suspended their sentence in the alleged dual PAN card case and granted them bail.