Rampur Public School Seized: Azam Khan's Trust Lands in Controversy with UP Government

In a significant move, the Uttar Pradesh state cabinet transfers possession of Rampur Public School, linked to Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, to the Secondary Education Department. The decision stems from alleged violations in the 30-year land lease granted to Azam Khan's trust. This action prompts a dispute, involving the sealing of properties, heavy police presence, and conflicting claims of ownership between SP workers and the education department. Azam Khan and his family are currently in jail, adding tension to the situation.

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In a significant development, the Uttar Pradesh state cabinet executed a decision to transfer the possession of Rampur Public School, associated with prominent Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, to the Secondary Education Department on Friday. This move, stemming from a cabinet resolution on October 31, has fueled a dispute over a 41,181 square feet land lease granted to Azam Khan's Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar Trust.

On November 2, the District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) issued a notice to vacate the premises, sparking a series of events that involved sealing the properties with the presence of heavy police forces, including ADM Lalta Prasad Shakya and ASP Sansar Singh. The government cited violations of the lease agreement as the basis for reclaiming ownership.

Azam Khan's association with the property dates back to his tenure as a minister in the SP government when he was allocated the old Murtaza School building near Rampur Fort, which served as his office. The property, leased to the trust at a nominal rate of Rs 100 per year, housed Rampur Public School and SP activities.

Asim Raja, president of SP's Rampur city unit, opposed the action, asserting that the SP office was distinct from the school premises. However, the local administration insisted that both were considered part of the property.

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ADM Shakya clarified that the 30-year lease had been revoked, and the education department assumed control of the property. Conflicting claims emerged from SP workers and the education department, each asserting ownership, leading to the placement of locks on both properties.

The DIOS, in line with the cabinet decision, directed the vacating of the building within seven days. The ownership withdrawal of the land lease, spanning over 41,000 sq ft, was based on a report by a 4-member investigation committee highlighting violations in the lease deed.

Azam Khan, his wife Tanzin Fatima, and son Abdullah Azam are currently incarcerated following a conviction by a Rampur court in a fake birth certificate case. The situation remains tense as the government asserts control over the disputed educational assets.