Judge expresses anger over missing evidence in Rajab Butt case, orders statement recording

An Additional District and Sessions Judge on Friday expressed anger over missing evidence and ordered the police to record YouTuber Rajab Butt's statement in a case related to the alleged insult of Islamic symbols. At the outset of the hearing, the defence counsel informed the court that the investigation officer in the case had passed away, which had prevented the accused from joining the investigation. The court subsequently summoned the Investigation Officer (IO) of Hyderi police station and adjourned the hearing until 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 the relevant evidence?” the judge asked. Read More: Bail granted to three in case involving YouTuber's wife The judge also questioned why the statement of the accused, which had been ordered to be recorded at the previous hearing, was not available. The investigation officer told the court that he had neither full knowledge of the case nor of its investigation. The court then directed the SSP Investigation Central to record the statement of the accused, Rajab Butt. During the proceedings, an exchange of words took place between the defence counsel and the judge. The defence lawyer said that no order had been passed on his application under Section 196, calling it an unlawful act. The judge responded that the proceedings would not work according to the lawyer’s wishes and advised that if there was no confidence, an application for the transfer of the case could be filed. 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 Karachi’s City Court after a hearing in a similar case  The attack took place after Butt appeared before an additional district and sessions judge, who heard his bail application but adjourned the proceedings without any substantive order.