Former Samajwadi Party treasurer and senior leader Kaish Khan was arrested on Wednesday after police found him hiding in a loft at his residence, despite a standing order prohibiting his presence in Kannauj district. The arrest follows weeks of evasion by Khan, who had been banned from the district on July 28 by local authorities.

According to Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar, officers discovered Khan behind a mattress in the loft of his house during a thorough search prompted by a confidential tip. “He was arrested while relaxing at his house. Later, it was discovered he had also tried to hide in the loft to evade us,” Kumar stated.

Kaish Khan Defies Six-Month District Ban

The banishment was ordered by District Magistrate Ashutosh Mohan Agnihotri and legally enforced to prevent Khan from remaining within Kannauj’s jurisdiction for a period of six months. Despite the clear directive, Khan had reportedly continued to stay within the district, defying the official order.

Police launched the operation after receiving intelligence that Khan had returned to his locality in Balapeer. Although initial searches at both his residence and his brother’s house yielded no results, officers later discovered him concealed in his home, using a mattress in the loft as cover in a calculated attempt to avoid detection.

Khan’s concealment was not a one-off violation, officials said. His continued presence in the area since the enforcement of the ban suggests a deliberate and prolonged effort to avoid legal action. His behavior marks a significant breach of the administrative order meant to restrict his movement.

Kaish Khan’s Property Demolished Over Encroachment

This isn’t the first time the SP leader has attracted legal scrutiny. On January 6, a bulldozer was brought in to demolish parts of a marriage hall owned by Khan, after he was accused of encroaching on municipal land by extending a structure onto a public road.

The latest action against Khan includes planned charges under Sections 3 and 10 of the Goonda Act. Authorities also confirmed that he is named in multiple other criminal cases pending investigation.

Khan, considered a close ally of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, met with the SP chief during his visit to Kannauj on July 25. Just three days later, district authorities issued the banishment order a move that observers say reflects growing administrative pressure on political leaders with controversial backgrounds.