IOK court acquits Aalam of Badamwari Park attack charge
ISLAMABAD, (MILLAT ONLINE):A trial court in Srinagar has acquitted senior APHC leader and Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League, Masarrat Aalam Butt, of charges framed against him in 2008.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Masarrat Aalam Butt was booked on the false charges of leading a protest march armed with sticks and stones from Hawal to Badamwari Park in Srinagar on June 26, 2008 during which the participants allegedly set a hut on fire and damaged some lights and ticket counter.
Acquitting the APHC leader of the charges, the 4th Additional Sessions Judge, Srinagar, said that the prosecution had failed to build its case, as none of the prosecution witness deposed in favour of the prosecution.
“None of the prosecution witness has deposed before the court directly or indirectly that the accused was present on the spot in the procession and that he was leading the unruly procession,” the court said.
The prosecution had alleged that a mob of around 500 people led by Masarrat Aalam Butt, raising slogans, resorted to stone pelting and damage to the Bamadwari Park. An FIR was registered against him in Rainawari police station. However, none of the witnesses produced by the prosecution, including police personnel corroborated the presence of Masarrat Aalam Butt at the spot.
Disposing the case, the court acquitted the APHC leader of all the charges leveled against him and discharged him from his bail as well as personal bond.