Model Town case: Court orders IO to submit challan on completing probe

LAHORE: An Anti-terrorism court on Saturday ordered the investigation officer (IO) of the Model Town incident to submit a challan after completion of the probe regarding the actions of Gullu Butt into the episode on August 9 . Gullu Butt, the notorious baton-wielding man seen damaging vehicles in Lahore during the clashes that erupted on June 17, appeared in court today. During the hearing, the accused pleaded for more time, following which the court ordered that the challan should be completed before the said date. Meanwhile, policemen accused for their alleged involvement in the Lahore incident — Station House Inspector (SHO) Sheikh Amir Saleem, Elite Force Inspector Hafiz Athar and Constables Muhammad Naveed and Khurram — also appeared in the court today. The ATC extended the physical remand of the accused policemen to six days and subsequently adjourned the hearing until Aug 8. At least 11 people died and more than 100 were injured when violent clashes broke out with Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) supporters and the Punjab police in Model Town on June 17. Separately, the judicial tribunal constituted to investigate the incident recently completed its probe and is expected to submit a report when it is complete. Lahore High Court Chief Justice Khwaja Imtiaz Ahmad had constituted the tribunal on the request of the Punjab government. The final report will be sent to the government, after which those responsible for the incident will be identified and tried under the law. The ATC is currently trying Gullu Butt under vandalism charges as he came into the limelight after he was caught on camera brazenly damaging several vehicles in the presence of police, during the clash between Pakistan Awami Tehreek workers and police in Lahore's Model Town on June 17. The five policemen have been booked under charges of firing and vandalism. The court is also trying Superintendent Police (SP) Security Sulaiman Khan, who had allegedly ordered policemen to open fire on protesters in Model Town, and constable Abid Ali under the charges.