A Sessions Court in Lahore has granted interim bail to Salman Haider, cousin and co-accused of YouTuber Rajab Butt, in a case involving alleged rape and blackmail.

 

Additional Sessions Judge Najaf Haider presided over the hearing and directed the police to submit an investigation report. The prosecution informed the court that the investigation was still ongoing and sought additional time.

 

The court extended Salman Haider’s interim bail until June 23. A case has been registered against him at the Nawab Town Police Station.

 

Earlier, an FIR had been filed against YouTuber Rajab Butt and his cousin Salman Haider. While Haider was accused of rape, blackmail, and unlawful confinement, Rajab Butt was named as an accomplice for allegedly helping detain the complainant and her sister.

 

According to the FIR lodged by social media activist Ayesha Sharafat at Nawab Town Police Station, she met Salman Haider through social media. They often met in public until August 16, 2024, when she was invited to his residence in Bahria Orchard.

 

"Salman called me at 7 PM on August 16, 2024, and invited me to his house in Bahria Orchard. Due to trust, I agreed," she stated in the FIR.

 

She further claimed, "He gave me juice that had been mixed with an intoxicating substance. After consuming it, I lost consciousness. When I regained awareness, I realized I had been raped; my shirt buttons were open."

 

"Fearing social stigma, I remained silent and did not inform my family," she added.

 

She went on to allege that, "Later, Salman contacted me again. When I refused to meet him, he began blackmailing me using an explicit video he had secretly filmed without my consent."

 

"He also sent that video to my sister, Palwasha, which prompted both of us to confront him at his residence."

 

According to the FIR, "We went to Salman’s house to stop him, but once there, Rajab Butt, Man Dogar, Jawad Haider, and Jahangir Butt, who were present with Salman, locked us in a room."

 

"Jawad Haider snatched our mobile phones, reset them, and then threatened us before throwing us out."

 

Back in May, a video allegedly showing Rajab Butt and his associates assaulting a young man went viral. The victim later filed a complaint at Satu Katla Police Station, but Butt apologised and claimed it was a misunderstanding. The victim accepted the apology, and both parties reconciled, resulting in the withdrawal of the legal request.