Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday granted bail to Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Azam Khan and contractor Barqat Ali in the high-profile Dungarpur case from Rampur. Justice Sameer Jain approved their bail applications in connection with the criminal appeal currently pending before the court.

The case dates back to 2016 when several houses in Rampur’s Dungarpur locality were demolished during the SP government’s tenure on claims of encroachment.

Local residents accused Azam Khan, retired CO Ale Hasan Khan, and contractor Barqat Ali of forcibly evicting them, vandalizing homes, and issuing threats.

Following an FIR filed in August 2019 at Ganj police station by complainant Abrar, multiple residents lodged around 12 additional cases citing assault, looting, and intimidation.

On May 30, 2024, the Rampur MP-MLA court sentenced Azam Khan to 10 years’ imprisonment and Barqat Ali to seven years.

Both men challenged the verdict in the High Court and sought bail during the appeal process. Wednesday’s order grants them temporary relief while the case continues under judicial scrutiny.