Court sets August 18 for Rajab Butt indictment

A sessions court in Lahore has fixed August 18 for the indictment of TikToker Rajab Butt and four other suspects in a case involving allegations of sexual assault against a social media influencer.

LAHORE: A sessions court in Lahore has fixed August 18 for the indictment of TikToker Rajab Butt and four other suspects in a case involving allegations of sexual assault against a social media influencer.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Zafaryab heard the private complaint filed by the woman against Butt and the other suspects. The court directed all five accused to appear on the next hearing date for formal framing of charges.

The complaint was filed in 2025. The woman alleged that she was sexually assaulted and later subjected to blackmail by the suspects.

She told the court that she had evidence to support her allegations. The material reportedly includes WhatsApp conversations, a medical report and a statement recorded before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The accused have denied the allegations. They had previously obtained pre-arrest bail from a sessions court while the proceedings continued.

The case is separate from another criminal complaint recently registered against Butt and some of his associates. Last month, police registered a case after an alleged confrontation at a café involving several women.

The same woman who filed the earlier sexual assault complaint also approached police over the café incident. She alleged that Butt attacked her and other women during the altercation.

The latest court proceedings add to the growing number of legal cases involving the social media personality. Butt has faced proceedings over several allegations in recent years.

These include accusations related to hurting religious sentiments, promoting online gambling and physical assault. He has denied the allegations in the relevant cases.

The court will now hear the matter on August 18. The appearance of Butt and the other suspects will mark the next stage of proceedings, when the court is scheduled to formally frame charges.