LAHORE: Gullu Butt, the infamous character of the June 17 Model Town incident, was released from the Camp Jail on Friday evening after the Lahore High Court declared his detention illegal.

Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan passed the order on the petition of Butt and directed the Punjab government to free him.

The jail authorities managed exit of Butt through ‘VIP gate’ as a large number of people were already gathered outside the prison on Ferozepur Road. The people chanted slogans against Gullu Butt and condemned his criminal act he had committed outside the Minhajul Quran Secretariat.

Butt had to trot to avoid chasing media persons and charged-up citizens outside the jail. His relatives escorted him to a private car and drove him away.

Butt was involved in smashing private vehicles parked outside the Minhajul Quran Secretariat in Model Town during an operation carried out by the Punjab government against alleged illegal barricades erected by the PAT.

Earlier, his counsel argued that a division bench of the LHC had released his client on bail but the government detained him again. He said the government declared Butt a member of a terrorist group and further extended his detention without producing any tangible evidence against him. He asked the court to set aside the detention for being illegal.

A law officer submitted reply on behalf of the home secretary and said Butt was a threat to law and order situation in the province. He said the suspect was detained fearing any illegal activity by him.

Justice Qasim asked the officer about action taken against the policemen who let Gullu Butt damage the vehicles. The law officer said a case had been registered against the cops followed by departmental action.

After hearing both sides, the judge set aside the detention of Butt and directed the government to free him.

Published in Dawn, September 27th , 2014

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...