KARACHI: Pakistani actor Muneeb Butt has been granted interim bail by a Karachi anti-terrorism court (ATC) in connection with an alleged kidnapping and robbery case registered at the Airport police station.
According to court proceedings, the actor appeared before the ATC after securing protective bail from the Islamabad High Court. The court approved interim pre-arrest bail against a surety bond of Rs100,000 and fixed June 8 for further hearing and confirmation of bail.
The case was registered following a complaint filed by Mutaal Khan, who alleged that he was abducted on April 22 while travelling to Karachi airport to catch a flight to Lahore. According to the complainant, his cab was intercepted by four armed men travelling in a double-cabin vehicle.
The victim claimed the suspects abducted him at gunpoint, accusing him of involvement in a traffic accident. He alleged that the kidnappers took him to different locations, snatched his mobile phone and laptop, and transferred approximately 8,600 USDT from his digital account before releasing him in Karachi’s Korangi Industrial Area.
Police later arrested four suspects identified as Hamza, Saalim, Shahid, and Wazir in connection with the case. Investigators also booked additional individuals, including a police constable and actor Muneeb Butt.
Advocate Syed Israr Ali Shah, counsel for the complainant, stated that the investigating officer informed him that Muneeb Butt had allegedly facilitated at least two suspects while they were hiding in Islamabad. However, the lawyer also clarified that it was still unclear whether the actor had any direct involvement in the alleged crime.
The investigating agency included the actor’s name in the case under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Anti-Terrorism Act. The FIR includes charges under Section 365-A related to kidnapping for extortion, Section 392 regarding robbery, and Section 34 for common intention, along with Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The case has attracted widespread public attention due to the involvement of a well-known television actor and the serious nature of the allegations. Legal experts believe the upcoming hearing on June 8 will be crucial in determining whether Muneeb Butt’s interim bail will be confirmed or revoked.
The investigation into the kidnapping and robbery case remains ongoing as police continue collecting evidence and questioning suspects.
