Gogi Butt denies role in Balaj's murder

Khawaja Aqeel alias Gogi Butt, long associated with Lahore's underworld, has publicly denied involvement in the high-profile killing of Ameer Balaj Tipu, son of slain transporter Arif Ameer alias Tipu Truckanwala.

Instead, he accused the victim's younger brother of orchestrating targeted killings linked to the ongoing feud.

Speaking at a press conference at his residence, Butt rejected the findings of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) that implicated him and his cousin, Khawaja Tareef Gulshan alias Teefi Butt, in Balaj's 2024 murder.

"I have no connection with this murder case," he told reporters, claiming he has not been in contact with Teefi for four years.

He criticised the JIT report as "biased" and demanded that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz constitute a fresh inquiry panel.

Butt further accused Balaj's younger brother, Ameer Musab, of masterminding recent killings, including the death of Balaj's associate, Ahsan Shah, which he alleged was wrongly portrayed as a police encounter.

Presenting himself as a businessman, Butt cited multiple FIRs registered against Balaj — including charges of murder and attempted murder — and made allegations about his private life. He also accused a JIT member, a DSP-ranked officer, of having ties with the Truckanwala group, referring to an FIR lodged at Naulakha police station that mentioned recovery of rocket launchers and grenades from Balaj's house.

The Truckanwala family swiftly countered through a social media statement, dismissing Butt's remarks as "false innocence." They accused him of building wealth through land-grabbing and extortion, questioning why he was "giving press conferences instead of facing arrest."