LUCKNOW, Oct. 12 -- In a move that has caught much attention, the Uttar Pradesh government has restored the Y-category security cover of senior Samajwadi Party leader and former UP minister Azam Khan.

Confirming it, Rampur superintendent of police (SP) Vidya Sagar Mishra said: "Following the restoration of his Y-category security, Khan has been provided with a security detail consisting of one Gypsy vehicle and seven armed personnel. Four of these personnel will be stationed at his residence, while three will accompany him at all times."

The Samajwadi Party has often accused the state government of witch-hunt against Azam Khan who was released from Sitapur jail last month after spending nearly 23 months behind bars in connection with se...