A shocking incident of alleged violence and robbery has been reported from the premises of the City Courts in Karachi, targeting prominent YouTuber Rajab Butt. Police have formally registered a case following a complaint from Butt's legal counsel.
The Alleged Assault and Robbery
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident occurred on Monday, December 29. Rajab Butt had arrived at City Court West for a hearing related to an earlier case. The FIR, lodged on the complaint of Butt's counsel Barrister Mian Ali Ashfaq, names Advocate Riaz Ali Solangi, Advocate Abdul Fatah, and 15 to 20 other lawyers as the accused.
The document states that upon Butt's arrival, the named advocates and their associates allegedly attacked him, resulting in physical injuries. The lawyers are also accused of threatening and harassing Barrister Ashfaq and other members of Butt's legal team.
Cash Snatched and Missing
A critical detail in the FIR involves a financial loss. Rajab Butt was carrying a bag containing Rs300,000, which was allegedly snatched during the altercation. Although Advocate Riaz later returned the bag, the substantial amount of cash was reportedly missing.
Barrister Ashfaq further claimed that after the initial assault, the lawyers forcibly took Butt before the court, where he was subjected to further threats.
Background and Legal Action
The FIR reveals a pre-existing legal conflict. Advocate Riaz Ali Solangi is the complainant in an earlier case, No. 14/2025, registered against Rajab Butt at Haidri Police Station. That case was filed under Section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, which deals with offences related to outraging religious sentiments.
Following the latest incident, the City Court police have registered a new case under multiple sections of the PPC, including Sections 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting with deadly weapon), 382 (theft after preparation made for causing death or hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 337-A(1) (shajjah). The investigation has been handed over to the Kharadar Division Police.
Social Media Reaction and Witness Account
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) after the incident, Barrister Ashfaq stated that "a few lawyers attacked Rajab Butt with lethal intent" and confirmed his client sustained injuries. Witnesses present at the court described that an exchange of words between Butt and several lawyers after the hearing escalated into a scuffle, leading to the alleged assault.
This incident has raised serious concerns about safety and the conduct of individuals within the precincts of a court of law. The investigation by the Kharadar Division Police will now determine the full sequence of events and the culpability of those named in the FIR.
