The head of the investigation tells the court that he has neither full knowledge of the case nor its investigation
KARACHI:
An Additional District and Sessions Judge on Friday expressed anger over lack of evidence and ordered police to record YouTuber Rajab Butt’s statement in a case related to the alleged insult of Islamic symbols.
At the start of the hearing, the defense attorney informed the court that the head of the investigation in the case had passed away, which had prevented the defendant from participating in the investigation. The court subsequently summoned the Investigating Officer (IO) of Hyderi police station and adjourned the hearing till 10 p.m. 11.30 am.
When the hearing resumed, the presiding judge expressed anger at the IO over the absence of the recorded statement and relevant evidence. “Where is the complete case file and relevant evidence?” asked the judge.
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The judge also questioned why the defendant’s statement, which had been ordered recorded at the earlier hearing, was not available.
The investigating officer told the court that he had neither full knowledge of the case nor its investigation. The court then directed the SSP Investigation Central to record the statement of the accused, Rajab Butt.
During the case, there was an exchange of words between the defense attorney and the judge. The defense counsel said no order had been passed on his application under Section 196, calling it an illegal act.
The judge replied that the proceedings would not work according to the lawyer’s wishes and stated that if there was no confidence, an application could be made to transfer the case.
Later, the judge adjourned the hearing until April 24.
The case against Rajab Butt was registered at Hyderi Market police station. In December, he was assaulted by a group of lawyers at the Karachi District Court after a hearing in a similar case
The attack came after Butt appeared before an additional district and sessions judge who heard his bail application but adjourned the case without any substantive order.
