Ex-MP, Daughter, Son-in-Law Acquitted in Feroz Pappu Murder Case; Two Others Convicted

Key Verdict in Feroz Pappu Murder Case

Balrampur's Special MP-MLA Court has delivered a significant verdict in the murder case of Samajwadi Party leader and former Nagar Panchayat President Feroz Ahmed alias Pappu. On Friday evening, the court acquitted former MP Rizwan Zaheer, his daughter Jeba Rizwan, and son-in-law Ramiz in connection with the assassination.

However, two other accused, Meraj Ul Haq alias Mama and Mahfuz, have been convicted of murder. The sentencing for these two individuals will be announced on the upcoming Tuesday. This high-profile murder case occurred in January 2022, with a total of six people initially accused. One of the accused passed away during the trial.

The court premises witnessed heightened activity following the announcement of the verdict. Stringent security measures were in place, and the court was transformed into a police cantonment. After the decision, individuals present at the court embraced former MP Rizwan Zaheer to convey their congratulations.

“A false stigma was placed upon me, but today I have received justice,” stated former MP Rizwan Zaheer as he left the court. His daughter, Jeba, added, “We have been saying for four years that we are innocent, and today truth has prevailed.”

Murder Committed in Broad Daylight Four Years Ago

The murder took place on the night of January 4, 2022. Samajwadi Party leader Feroz Pappu had stopped at a pan shop located on Jarwa Road in Tulsipur town. During this time, assailants launched a sudden attack on him with iron rods and knives. The attackers allegedly struck him multiple times on the head and slit his throat before fleeing the scene.

He was rushed to the Tulsipur Community Health Centre (CHC) with critical injuries, where doctors declared him dead. The murder of Feroz Pappu created tension in the Tulsipur area, necessitating special vigilance from the police administration.

Political Rivalry Cited as Motive

Six days after the incident, the then Superintendent of Police (SP), Hemant Kutyal, announced the breakthrough in the case. On January 10, 2022, the police arrested former MP Rizwan Zaheer, his daughter Jeba, son-in-law Ramiz, Meraj Ul Haq alias Mama, Mahfuz, and Shakeel.

The initial police investigation and disclosure revealed that the murder stemmed from a struggle for political dominance and a race for a Vidhan Sabha ticket. According to the police, Feroz Pappu's popularity was growing, and he was considered a strong contender for the Tulsipur assembly seat from the Samajwadi Party. Conversely, former MP Rizwan Zaheer was reportedly seeking a ticket for his daughter, Jeba, from the same constituency. This political rivalry had created a tense atmosphere between the two factions, which ultimately led to the murder.

Conspiracy and Attempted Murder

The investigation also uncovered that the murder conspiracy had been in the making for a month prior, and there had been three previous attempts on Feroz Pappu's life before the final incident. However, he had escaped unharmed on each occasion.

On the night of January 4, 2022, Meraj Ul Haq alias Mama and Mahfuz directly executed the crime. The police claimed that the entire conspiracy was orchestrated by former MP Rizwan Zaheer, his daughter Jeba, son-in-law Ramiz, and Shakeel. This conclusion was drawn from interrogations of the arrested individuals and other evidence gathered after the murder.

The Fight for Justice and the Wait for the Verdict

A total of six individuals were accused in this case. One of the accused, Shakeel, died during the trial, reducing the number of defendants to five. Today, the MP-MLA court acquitted former MP Rizwan Zaheer, his daughter Jeba, and son-in-law Ramiz. Meanwhile, Meraj Ul Haq and Mahfuz have been found guilty of murder, with their sentencing scheduled for Tuesday.

This verdict was long-awaited and marks a significant turning point in the case, causing ripples in political circles.