The Lahore District and Sessions Court on Monday declared YouTuber Rajab Butt innocent in a rape case registered against him, with police stating that allegations leveled against him were baseless.
Additional Sessions Judge Syed Najaf Haider Kazmi heard the interim bail application filed by Rajab Butt and co-accused Salman Haider. Both appeared before the court along with their legal representatives.
During the hearing, the investigation officer submitted that Rajab Butt and two other accused were found not guilty during the course of the investigation. The case was registered earlier by Nawab Town Police Station, but investigators concluded that the allegations were not supported by evidence.
Following this development, Rajab Butt voluntarily withdrew his interim bail application, as the charges against him were dropped. The court accordingly disposed of the bail plea.
Also Read: FIR on Rajab Butt, Maan Dogar over 'rape and blackmail'
However, the court extended the interim bail of co-accused Salman Haider until July 3, as investigations into his role in the case are still ongoing.
The petitioner had earlier argued that the police had falsely implicated Rajab Butt and others by lodging a case that was contrary to the facts. The complaint had alleged rape, but defense lawyers insisted it was a malicious and fabricated accusation.
On June 10, a criminal case was registered at Lahore’s Nawab Town police station against five individuals, including popular YouTubers Rajab Butt and Maan Dogar, following allegations of rape, blackmail, and illegal confinement made by a female social media activist.
According to the first information report (FIR), the woman claimed that she became friends with a man named Salman Haider -- a cousin of Rajab Butt -- through social media. She alleged that Salman drugged and raped her, made obscene videos, and later blackmailed her with the footage.
The complainant further stated that YouTuber Rajab Butt allegedly locked her in a room at a house belonging to Salman Butt, where she was held against her will. Other associates, including Maan Dogar, were also reportedly present and involved during her illegal confinement.
Police confirmed that an FIR had been registered under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code.
