YouTuber Rajab Butt has been cleared of involvement in an alleged assault case after police found no evidence linking him to the accusations.
During a session held at Lahore’s Additional Sessions Court, the investigation officer officially informed the court that Butt had no role in the matter. Following the declaration, his legal counsel promptly moved to withdraw the interim bail application, citing his client’s exoneration.
Judge Syed Najaf Haider Kazmi approved the withdrawal request, ruling that interim bail was no longer necessary for four of the five individuals initially named in the case, including Butt. This decision effectively removes legal proceedings against those cleared by the inquiry.
However, co-accused Salman Haider’s interim bail was extended until July 3, as inquiries into his alleged actions are still ongoing. At an earlier hearing, prosecutors had asked for more time to finalize the probe, resulting in a previous extension of his bail to June 23.
The investigation originated from a report filed on June 10 by digital activist Ayesha Sharafat at Nawab Town Police Station. In the FIR, she identified five men: Salman Haider, Rajab Butt, Maan Dogar, Jawad Haider, and Jahangir Butt.
According to Ayesha’s account, she had initially connected with Salman Haider through social media, leading to several in-person meetings at different eateries around Lahore. She alleged that she was later invited to a private residence in Bahria Orchard, where she was drugged, assaulted, and filmed. She claims the video was used to blackmail her.
Ayesha further stated that her sister, Palwasha, was also shown the footage. When the sisters visited Haider’s residence to confront him, they were allegedly met by Rajab Butt, Maan Dogar, and Jawad Haider. The FIR claims the women were confined to a room while Jahangir Butt was also present at the scene.
She added that Jawad Haider allegedly seized their mobile phones, wiped their data, and forced them to leave under threat.
The investigation remains active with one suspect still under scrutiny, while others, including Rajab Butt, have been cleared of all allegations.
