Rampur, Uttar Pradesh: Senior Samajwadi Party leader Mohammad Azam Khan and his son Abdullah Azam received prison sentences of up to seven years after being convicted in a forgery case on Monday. A special MP/MLA court in Rampur found both guilty of procuring two PAN cards with different dates of birth.
The ruling comes as a result of a case filed in 2019, initiated by BJP leader Akash Saxena. The prosecution accused the father-son duo of committing forgery and cheating under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Special Magistrate Shobhit Bansal pronounced the verdict after a thorough examination of documentary evidence and witness testimonies. Prosecution Officer Rakesh Kumar Maurya confirmed the sentencing and indicated that the prosecution may appeal if the sentence seems inadequate upon review.
“Yes, absolutely,” Maurya responded when asked if the convicted individuals would face immediate custody. This ruling represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battles faced by Azam Khan, known for his prominent political career.
The forgery case emerged when Abdullah Azam allegedly secured a PAN card from the Income Tax Department, listing his date of birth as January 1, 1993. According to prosecutors, this date aligned with his educational records and bank account details, albeit under suspicious circumstances.
The court determined that Abdullah procured the forged PAN card “in conspiracy with his father,” utilizing it for official purposes. This decision underscores the serious repercussions of forgery in Indian law and the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to uphold legal standards.
As the complexities of this case unfold, it raises broader questions regarding political accountability and the potential ramifications for Khan’s long-standing influence within the Samajwadi Party. Observers will closely monitor reactions from both political leaders and constituents in the upcoming days.
