On 24th October 2024, two Christian brothers, Imran Denial (30) and Arslan Denial (24), tragically lost their lives in a violent confrontation in Rachna Town’s bustling main bazaar. The brothers were shot by notorious drug lords Ali Butt, Qadir Butt, and their accomplices after a dispute erupted over the sale of drugs in their hair salon. Imran was killed instantly, while Arslan succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital. The violent attack also left an innocent girl wounded and injured their cousin, Waleed Masih, alongside Shahid Masih.
The murder has devastated the Denial family, but their grief has been compounded by the authorities’ inaction. Despite the heinous nature of the crime, the perpetrators remain at large, leaving the family living in constant fear. The lack of progress by law enforcement only deepens their sense of vulnerability and injustice.
In response, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) stepped in to support the family during their time of grief. On 4th November 2024, BACA representatives visited the family, offering condolences and practical assistance. They met with Usman Denial, the youngest brother, and their father, Denial Masih, who is a retired employee of Mayo Hospital in Lahore. BACA pledged to help the family in their fight for justice.
Determined to seek accountability for the brutal murders, BACA enlisted Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar, a highly competent solicitor at the Lahore High Courts. However, by the time BACA took over the case, the accused—Ali Butt, Qadir Butt, and their accomplices—had already secured pre-arrest bails, preventing their immediate arrest.
At a crucial hearing on 27th December, Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar made a compelling argument before the court, stressing the severity of the case. He urged the court to revoke the pre-arrest bails, arguing that allowing the accused to remain free would impede the pursuit of justice. The judge, persuaded by Dogar’s argument, revoked the bails and ordered the immediate arrest of the suspects.
In an effort to expedite justice, Dogar accompanied Usman Denial to the office of the District Police Officer (DPO) in Sheikhupura, Mr. Bilal Zafar Sheikh. Together, they submitted a formal complaint about the delays in the investigation and the failure to apprehend the accused. The DPO swiftly responded, issuing a letter to the Investigation Officer, Muhammad Shoukat Ali, demanding an explanation within 14 days. The letter warned that failure to provide a satisfactory report would result in disciplinary action.
Following the intervention of the DPO, the investigation officer began to take action. He conducted multiple raids in search of Ali Butt and Qadir Butt, even detaining their relatives to pressure the fugitives into surrendering. However, despite these efforts, the primary culprits remain elusive.
Amidst these developments, Usman Denial revealed to BACA that the investigation officer had repeatedly pressured him to withdraw the complaint filed against the officer at the DPO’s office. Refusing to back down, Usman stood firm in his resolve, with BACA’s solicitor, Dogar, assuring that the application would not be withdrawn until the suspects were arrested.
In a disturbing turn of events, one of the accomplices, Sultan Ali, attempted to secure pre-arrest bail through the Tehsil Court in Ferozewala. His solicitor presented a fraudulent affidavit, allegedly signed by Usman Denial, claiming that Sultan Ali had no involvement in the murders. The document falsely stated that Usman had no objection to the pre-arrest bail.
Upon discovering the forgery, Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar immediately contested the authenticity of the affidavit, asserting that Usman had never signed such a document. The court, recognizing the fraud, rejected Sultan Ali’s bail plea and ordered his solicitor to produce Usman in court on 2nd January for further clarification.
When Usman appeared in court, he categorically denied signing any such document and expressed his frustration at the forged evidence. “I had not signed any such document, and I shall never sign any. The culprit Sultan Ali has faked it,” he stated emphatically.
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Sardar Sultan Ali Dogar remains confident that the accused will eventually be apprehended and held accountable for their crimes. “The culprits are hiding to evade arrest, but I am confident that justice will prevail,” Dogar remarked.
BACA continues to stand by the Denial family in their pursuit of justice, ensuring that no amount of intimidation or deceit will derail the legal process. The organization is deeply grateful to the donors who have funded the legal representation for the Denial family. However, BACA is aware that there are many additional costs associated with pursuing justice, including travel expenses for court appearances. The association aims to continue supporting other families facing similar tragedies, and any donations to this cause would be greatly appreciated.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for the British Asian Christian Association, voiced the urgency of systemic reform. “Powerful forces within the Muslim community are actively working to evade justice, and without a dedicated advocate, this Christian family would have seen the tragic deaths of two brothers ignored by a corrupt justice system,” she said. “While we remain hopeful for justice, what is urgently needed is wholesale reform of Pakistan’s judicial system to protect minorities. We pray that our efforts help bring attention to these glaring injustices and set a precedent for much-needed change.”
BACA’s unwavering support serves as a beacon of hope for the Denial family and others like them, shining a light on the systemic issues and providing a pathway to justice.
