SP Leader Moeed Khan Freed from Jail After 19 Months, Acquitted in POCSO Case
Samajwadi Party functionary Moeed Khan was released from Faizabad jail on Friday, marking the end of a 19-month incarceration. His release came after he was acquitted in a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case and subsequently secured bail in a separate case under the Gangster Act.
Khan Expresses Faith in Judiciary, Appeals to Chief Minister
Speaking to the media immediately after his release, Moeed Khan expressed unwavering faith in the judiciary, stating that he had finally received justice. In a surprising turn, he referred to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as a saint, but claimed that the CM was misled by false reports and incorrect information provided by certain individuals. Khan alleged that this misinformation led to legal action being taken against him.
Khan made a heartfelt appeal for the Chief Minister's support to help restart his bakery, which he described as the sole source of livelihood for his family. He emphasized the importance of this business in sustaining his household and requested assistance in resuming operations.
Allegations of Revenge and Influence in the Case
Further elaborating on the circumstances that led to his arrest, Khan alleged that some people from his own community acted out of revenge. He asserted that the minor girl involved in the case was wrong and, along with her mother, had been influenced by certain members of his community. These claims add a layer of complexity to the already contentious legal proceedings.
Court Acquits Khan, Convicts Co-Accused with Harsh Sentence
Earlier, on January 29, Special Judge (POCSO Act) Nirupama Vikram acquitted Moeed Khan in the POCSO case. The court held that the prosecution failed to prove any offence by him against the survivor, leading to his acquittal.
However, the court convicted co-accused Raju Khan, sentencing him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 50,000. Raju Khan was found guilty under Section 376(3) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 6 of the POCSO Act. The court cited medical and DNA evidence as establishing his guilt beyond reasonable doubt, highlighting the rigorous standards applied in the judgment.
Background of the Case and Legal Proceedings
The incident was reported from the Kalandar police station area, where a minor girl was allegedly raped and an obscene video was reportedly recorded. The matter came to light on July 29, 2024, after the victim was found to be around two months pregnant. The victim's mother filed a formal complaint naming bakery owner Moeed Khan and his employee, Raju, as the accused.
Following his acquittal in the POCSO case, Moeed Khan secured bail in a separate case under the Gangsters Act, which ultimately paved the way for his release from jail. This legal maneuvering underscores the multifaceted nature of the charges he faced and the procedural steps required for his freedom.
The case has drawn significant public and media attention, reflecting broader issues of justice, community dynamics, and political implications in Uttar Pradesh. As Moeed Khan reintegrates into society, his statements and future actions will likely continue to be scrutinized in the context of ongoing legal and social debates.
