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Journalist Imran Riaz Khan Released After Arrest and Rearrest on Multiple Charges
Journalist Imran Riaz Khan released after multiple arrests on charges of monetary fraud and interference with police duties. Legal battles continue.
ND
by News Desk
2024-06-14
Journalist Imran Riaz Khan Released After Arrest and Rearrest on Multiple Charges

Imran Riaz Khan, a prominent journalist, was taken into custody late Tuesday night at Allama Iqbal International Airport for a case of monetary fraud as he was about to depart for Hajj. The arrest, which showed Riaz clad in an ihram, quickly went viral on social media, with PTI supporters calling for his release.

 

During Wednesday's hearing at Model Town Court, police sought a seven-day physical remand for Riaz. The prosecutor alleged that Riaz had borrowed Rs0.25 billion from the complainant but failed to return the money. After hearing arguments from both sides, Judicial Magistrate Muhammad Kamran Zafar granted a one-day physical remand for Riaz. The following day, the judge discharged Riaz from the fraud case, citing insufficient evidence.

 

However, Riaz was immediately rearrested outside the court for another case involving interference with police duties. This case, registered at the Sarwar Road police station, alleged that Riaz had damaged a barrier near Lahore airport.

 

Presented before Judicial Magistrate Hafiz Kashif, the prosecution sought a 10-day physical remand, claiming Riaz could help identify other accused individuals. After reviewing the case, the judge discharged Riaz, noting a lack of evidence suggesting that Riaz had driven the vehicle or obstructed police duties. Consequently, Riaz was released by the Sarwar Road police.

 

Advocates Mian Ali Ashfaq and Rana Maroof, representing Riaz, celebrated the legal victory, with Maroof stating that those who concocted false cases against Riaz were defeated.

 

Riaz's arrest on Tuesday was part of a series of legal troubles that began following the May 9, 2023, protests after PTI founder Imran Khan's arrest. Riaz was initially taken to Cantt police station and later to Sialkot prison. Despite being released from jail on May 15, his whereabouts remained unknown, leading to an FIR for his alleged abduction.

 

Over the months, Riaz's case saw multiple hearings, with his father pleading for his recovery. Various court orders directed the recovery of Riaz, but his location remained a mystery until September 25, when he was finally released after over four months of being missing.

 

Earlier this year, Riaz faced another arrest in a graft case related to the Dhrabi Lake contract in Chakwal. He was granted bail by a special court but was rearrested for alleged violence outside Imran Khan's residence. On March 10, an anti-terrorism court granted him post-arrest bail with surety bonds worth Rs200,000.
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