Ayodhya Rape Case: SP Leader's Son Alleges Party Abandonment After Father's Acquittal
In a significant development from Ayodhya, Zaeer Khan, the son of former Samajwadi Party functionary Moeed Khan, has made serious allegations against his father's own political party. Moeed Khan was recently acquitted by a special court in a high-profile rape case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, but his son claims that during this period of crisis, no leaders from the Samajwadi Party extended any support or assistance to their family.
Allegations of Political Neglect and BJP Interference
Zaeer Khan specifically mentioned that local Member of Parliament Awadhesh Prasad and party chief Akhilesh Yadav did not attempt to help them navigate through the legal and personal turmoil. He further alleged that certain local BJP leaders provided misleading information to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which complicated their situation.
"Some local BJP leaders gave wrong feedback to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, as my father's name was not in the first FIR. But due to local political rivalry, my father's name was included," Zaeer stated. He also pointed out that while claims were made about a video existing from the incident, no such evidence was ever presented in court during the proceedings.
Court Verdict and Ongoing Legal Battles
The special Pocso court in Ayodhya delivered its verdict on Thursday, convicting 21-year-old Raju Khan for raping a 14-year-old minor girl and causing her pregnancy. The court sentenced him to twenty years of rigorous imprisonment for this heinous crime. However, co-accused Moeed Ahmad, aged 65 and a former Samajwadi Party functionary, was acquitted of all charges.
The prosecution failed to establish Moeed's involvement in the case, leading to his acquittal. Despite this legal victory, Moeed Khan remains incarcerated as he is named in a separate case under the Gangsters Act. His bail application is currently pending before the high court, adding another layer to his legal challenges.
Background of the Case and Family's Response
The case originated when the survivor, employed as a daily wager at Moeed Khan's residence, was allegedly gang-raped over a period of two months. Her family lodged a First Information Report (FIR) on July 30, 2024, leading to the arrests of both Moeed and his house help, Raju. Police conducted a thorough investigation and filed a chargesheet under multiple sections, including gang rape, criminal intimidation, and the Pocso Act of 2012.
Special judge Nirupama Vikram pronounced the sentence on January 29, marking a pivotal moment in this sensitive case. Following the acquittal, Zaeer Khan revealed that the family is preparing for strong advocacy in the high court regarding another contentious issue.
Property Demolition and Future Legal Strategy
Zaeer Khan addressed the demolition of a commercial complex containing fifty shops, which he claims did not belong to his father. "We are preparing for strong advocacy in the high court, as the complex with 50 shops that was demolished did not belong to my father Moeed Khan. It belonged to his brother Asgar Ali, who lives in the United Kingdom. Therefore, the bulldozer action will be challenged in court," he asserted.
This statement highlights the family's intention to contest the demolition legally, arguing that the property was wrongly targeted. The case continues to unfold with multiple legal, political, and social dimensions affecting all parties involved.
