Bail of Ducky Bhai's wife extended in illegal app case

Court directs investigators to file detailed report on Nov 6

LAHORE:

The sessions court in Lahore on Thursday extended the interim bail of Aroob Jatoi, wife of popular YouTuber Saadur Rehman - widely known as Ducky Bhai - in a case linked to the alleged promotion of illegal online gambling applications.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Dr Sajida Ahmed conducted the hearing of Jatoi's bail plea at the Lahore Sessions Court. The accused appeared in person as her earlier bail period expired.

After hearing initial arguments, the court extended her interim bail until November 6 and instructed the investigating officer to submit a comprehensive report on the case at the next hearing.

The judge also directed the plaintiff to ensure legal representation at the upcoming proceedings. The case has been described by officials as one of the major crackdowns in Pakistan targeting unauthorised online betting promotions.

It is part of a broader investigation into several social media influencers accused of endorsing and promoting illegal online gambling apps that allegedly caused financial losses to citizens.

Earlier, the same court dismissed the bail plea of Ducky Bhai in connection with the same case. Judge Chaudhry was told by the prosecution that the accused had acted as a brand ambassador for a banned gambling app and had promoted it across digital platforms, allegedly resulting in monetary losses for multiple individuals.

The prosecutor further claimed that evidence of money laundering had emerged during the investigation and that the accused failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the income generated through the app's activities.

The defence counsel, however, rejected the prosecution's stance, maintaining that no direct complainant or eyewitness had come forward and that no gambling app or incriminating material was recovered from the accused.

The lawyer also contended that the relevant sections of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) had been wrongly applied in the case.The court has adjourned the hearing until November 6.