Police clears Pakistani businessman, says not involved in any wrongdoing

LONDON: There is no case or investigation against Pakistani businessman Tarab Raja and allegations levelled against him were false and without any foundation, The Scotland Yard said on Wednesday.

Raja – a well-known entrepreneur with links to politicians in Pakistan – came into limelight in Pakistani media December, last year, when he was linked to a trouble amongst two groups of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

A group had alleged that Raja was responsible for the attack on a leading PML-N figure in Britain; however, police sources confirmed that he had nothing to do with the assault.

Security officials further noted that it was Raja himself who was set upon by a group of men on December 4, 2016, as he waited at the airport, alongside dozens of supporters, to welcome Chief Minister of Punjab Shehbaz Sharif.

Some media had falsely claimed earlier that Raja was arrested but police have now confirmed, after concluding their investigations, that Raja didn’t instigate a fight in any form. Nevertheless, those found to be involved in the fight have been issued a caution, but nobody was charged due to lack of evidence.

On January 5, 2017, the president of PML-N UK Zubair Gull was attacked at his home by three masked men, who subsequently managed to escape. The police launched an inquiry into the attack; it was alleged that a senior Punjab government official had sponsored the assault via Raja to settle political scores.

Again, this news appeared numerous times in the media and Raja's name was mentioned.

Some progress in the inquiry was made through CCTV footage, police explained, adding that a person cannot be arrested, charged or investigated if their name gets mentioned or is alleged to be linked with an offence.

When contacted by Geo.tv, Raja said it was unfortunate that his name had been dragged unnecessarily by certain people to make him controversial. “I am a law-abiding citizen and I have never been involved in political tussles or related issues," he explained.

Considering he's an entrepreneur by profession, he has "worked towards creating a network of businessmen who have taken their investments to Pakistan. I don’t belong to PML-N UK and I am not seeking any position in PML-N and have nothing to do with any group."

The businessman further revealed how he has "been offered a position by the leaders"; however, he cannot pursue any of those since has other work-related commitments.

Raja, while underlining his isolation from any political party, however, applauded the CM for his work in Punjab. "It is true that I am impressed by [Shehbaz Sharif's work] and this view is shared by a number of professionals and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds," he stated, adding that it "is a statement of fact" and doesn't, in any way, mean he belongs "to a certain party”.

Raja elucidated that some people ran a campaign against him in media to harass him and sabotage his image. “I am glad that the police has clearly established that all allegations against myself were unfounded and had no foundation in truth," he said.

"All along, [I urged that I was] being victimised and I have nothing to do, in any shape or form, with the allegations that were made against me. Its great that the truth has prevailed now.”