Heightened Tensions: Lawyers Booked for Alleged Assault on SHO
Lawyers booked for ‘assaulting SHO’ after a case emerged detailing their alleged involvement in roughing up YouTuber Rajab Butt in Karachi. This development significantly escalates a series of legal and public altercations that have gripped the City Courts. The new First Information Report (FIR) highlights rising tensions between members of the legal fraternity and law enforcement officials, as reported by SindhNews.com.
The controversy began when YouTuber Rajab Butt faced an alleged physical assault during a court appearance on Monday. His lawyer, Mian Ali Ashfaq, subsequently registered a case against several lawyers, including Advocate Riaz Ali Solangi and Advocate Abdul Fatah Chandio, along with “another 15-20 lawyers.” The FIR, filed under sections 147, 148, 382, 506, and 337-A of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), alleged that the attackers injured Butt and assaulted his legal team. It also claimed a bag containing Rs300,000 was snatched, though later returned without the cash.
Escalation at the Police Station
Following the registration of the case against their colleagues, a group of lawyers stormed the Risala police station, temporarily located at the City Court police station. They demanded the registration of an FIR against the YouTuber and his lawyer, and protested outside City Courts on M.A. Jinnah Road. Advocate Solangi stated that Butt had allegedly used inappropriate language against lawyers in a vlog uploaded after obtaining pre-arrest bail on December 20.
City Court SHO Jahangir Bhutto filed a fresh complaint after an alleged altercation on December 30. His FIR, a copy of which became available on Wednesday, named Advocates Abdul Fatah Chandio, Abdul Wahab Rajper, and Riaz Ali Solangi, along with 40-50 other unnamed individuals. Bhutto stated that when he attempted to explain that a case had already been filed, the lawyers “started verbally abusing me and then proceeded to kick and punch me.”
Charges and Further Details on the Incident
The FIR against the lawyers for obstructing public duty and assault was registered under a host of PPC sections, including 337-A, 504, 506, 186, 149, 147, and 353. SHO Bhutto further alleged that the accused prevented him from performing his duties, issued death threats, and physically assaulted him. This incident underscores the dramatic surge in disputes within the judicial complex.
The legal landscape in Karachi now features multiple FIRs and counter-allegations. One key figure, Advocate Riaz Ali Solangi, is central to these cases, being named in Butt’s lawyer’s complaint and also serving as the complainant in a separate case against Butt for allegedly hurting religious sentiments.
The outcome of these overlapping legal battles remains uncertain. Investigations are underway concerning both the alleged assault on YouTuber Rajab Butt and the subsequent FIR against lawyers for allegedly assaulting SHO Jahangir Bhutto. These incidents highlight a period of significant legal friction and public unrest within Karachi’s judicial system.