LAHORE: The investigation into the murder of Amir Balaj Tipu has taken a new turn, as the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has reportedly declared Khawaja Aqeel, alias Gogi Butt, culpable in the high-profile case.
According to JIT sources, Gogi Butt remained in contact with the prime suspect, Taifi Butt, and is believed to have played a role in the planning of Amir Balaj’s killing. The JIT is expected to move for cancellation of Gogi Butt’s interim bail at the next hearing.
Investigators further revealed that Gogi Butt has been nominated in several previous murder cases involving the Tipu family, strengthening suspicions of his involvement.
After Amir Balaj’s murder, Gogi Butt initially fled but later secured interim bail, which is set to expire on September 15. Meanwhile, the main suspect, Taifi Butt, remains an absconder.
Amir Balaj Tipu, son of the late Tipu Truckanwala, was shot dead on February 18, 2024, during a wedding ceremony in a private housing society near Thokar Niaz Beg, Lahore. Police said the assailant opened fire during the function, injuring three people, including Balaj, who later succumbed to his wounds in hospital. The attacker was killed on the spot when Balaj’s guards retaliated with gunfire.
During the probe, police arrested Balaj’s close associate, Ahsan Shah, accusing him of secretly sharing his friend’s movements with Taifi Butt and his accomplices. However, Shah was later killed in an alleged police encounter in August 2024.
The JIT’s findings now directly implicating Gogi Butt are expected to significantly influence the legal proceedings in the coming weeks.
