The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) investigating the high-profile murder of Ameer Balaj Tipu has declared Khawaja Aqeel, also known as Gogi Butt, guilty, according to sources on Tuesday. Investigators allege that Gogi Butt maintained close contact with the primary suspect, Teefi Butt, and played a significant role in planning the assassination.
According to JIT officials, Gogi Butt actively participated in plotting the killing and was a named accused in several previous cases involving the Tipu family. Investigators have highlighted that his involvement went beyond mere association with Teefi Butt, implicating him directly in the conspiracy.
Following the announcement, the JIT plans to approach the court in the upcoming hearing to seek the cancellation of Gogi Butt’s bail. Sources noted that he absconded immediately after the killing, raising further suspicions regarding his role in the crime.
Other accused individuals, including Teefi Butt, remain at large. Teefi Butt has been declared an absconder, underlining ongoing challenges in apprehending all suspects linked to the Tipu family feud.
The murder occurred on February 19, 2024, when Ameer Balaj Tipu, the son of Arif Ameer, also known as Tipu Truckanwala, was shot in Lahore’s Chuhng area during a wedding ceremony.
Police reported that Balaj, in his early 30s, was critically injured when an armed assailant opened fire. Three others accompanying him were also injured, while retaliatory gunfire from Balaj’s security resulted in the death of one attacker.
Medical sources confirmed that Balaj sustained four bullet wounds to his chest and died from excessive bleeding. On the night of the murder, police claimed that Teefi Butt had fled abroad from Karachi, while Gogi Butt was located in Lahore. The investigation continues, with authorities focused on apprehending remaining suspects and closing gaps in the case to ensure justice for the victim and his family.
