Lucknow,

16 May (HS): Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan's troubles do not appear to

be easing. On Saturday, the Rampur MP MLA court convicted Azam Khan for his

remarks seven years ago, in 2019, calling the then district magistrate a

swindler and asking him to clean his shoes. The court sentenced him to

two years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000. The court described this

as using inappropriate language towards administrative officials.

Actually,

during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, SP leader Azam Khan was campaigning in the

Bhot police station area of Rampur district. While addressing the election

meeting, Azam Khan had said from the stage about the then District Magistrate

of Rampur Anjaneya Kumar Singh (currently Divisional Commissioner Moradabad)

that everyone should stand firm, do not be afraid of this Collector-Chief. He

is a Tankhaiya and one is not afraid of Tankhaiyas. I

have seen many photos of Mayawati. How big officers are taking out

handkerchiefs and cleaning her shoes. We have an alliance with her. If God

wills, I will make him clean my shoes.

Administrative

officials strongly objected to Azam Khan's statement from the stage during an

election rally, calling it a political move. A case was filed against him at

Bhot police station for violating the election code of conduct. The police

investigated the case, collected evidence, and filed a charge sheet in court.

During the hearing, the prosecution presented several witnesses and recorded

their statements. Based on the witnesses, the court today convicted Azam Khan

for making this objectionable remark.

In

this regard, the prosecution stated that Azam Khan is already incarcerated in

Rampur jail in connection with a case. The court heard the case today. Azam

Khan was connected to the court via video conferencing from jail. The court

sentenced him to two years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000 for using

language that referred to tankhaiya and shoe-cleaning.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi