Judge expresses anger over missing evidence in Rajab Butt case, orders statement recording

The Additional District and Sessions Judge, on Friday, showed his ire over the lack of evidence and directed the police to document the statement of YouTuber Rajab Butt in connection with the alleged defamation of Islamic symbols.

During the first part of the hearing, the defense lawyer said that the investigating officer in charge of the case had died, thus making it impossible for the accused person to appear in the investigation.

The court then directed the Investigation Officer (IO) of Hyderi police station to attend the next hearing session at 11:30 AM.

As soon as the second phase of the hearing began, the presiding judge showed his ire towards the IO concerning the absence of the documented statement and evidence. “Where is the case file and evidence?” asked the judge.

The magistrate also raised doubts about the statement of the accused, which was supposed to be recorded in the last hearing session.

The investigating officer informed the court that he lacked complete information regarding the case and the investigation process. Then, the court ordered the SSP Investigation Central to record the statement of the accused, Rajab Butt.

In the course of hearing, the defence counsel and judge exchanged heated words. The defence lawyer stated that no order was issued regarding his application filed under Section 196, which constituted an illegal act.

However, the judge argued that the hearing process would not function according to the desires of the lawyer and suggested that, in case of lack of trust, an application for the transfer of the case could be made.

Finally, the judge put off the hearing till April 24.

The case involving the accusation against Rajab Butt was filed at Hyderi Market Police Station. In December, he was attacked by a group of lawyers at Karachi’s City Court due to the hearings of the same case