A sessions court in Lahore has summoned YouTuber and TikToker Rajab Butt along with four other individuals on August 18 to formally frame charges against them. This action follows a private complaint lodged by social media influencer Ayesha Jutt, who has accused the group of sexual assault and subsequent blackmail.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Zafaryab set the date for the charge framing and ordered the accused to appear in court. The summons were issued after reviewing the complaint filed by Jutt, who claims she was sexually assaulted and blackmailed by Butt and his alleged accomplices.
Jutt presented several pieces of evidence to support her case, including WhatsApp messages, a medical report, and her statement recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). However, the accused have denied all allegations and have secured pre-arrest bail from the sessions court.
During the court proceedings, the complainant’s legal team raised concerns about the police investigation, arguing that it was inadequate and that the suspects were not thoroughly examined in the police challan. This challenge to the investigation prompted the court to summon the accused for the formal framing of charges, paving the way for the trial to proceed with the accused required to respond to the allegations.
In a significant development, this case is one among several legal challenges facing Rajab Butt. Last month, Nawab Town police registered a separate case against him and his alleged accomplices after an incident at a cafe where Butt and others were accused of attacking several women and discharging firearms. This complaint was also filed by Ayesha Jutt.
Previously, Butt has been involved in multiple legal issues, including allegations of hurting religious sentiments, promoting online gambling, and physical assault. Despite these accusations, the accused have consistently denied any wrongdoing.
