KARACHI: Police have submitted the challan of the Gul Plaza fire case to a Karachi city court. The mall’s association has been named the main party responsible for the deadly incident.
The challan highlights alleged negligence in the shopping mall’s fire safety arrangements. Police have presented evidence collected during the investigation before the court.
The investigation also included statements about safety measures inside shops and across the mall premises. These statements have been attached to the challan for further legal proceedings.
According to the police report, investigators collected several pieces of evidence. These included digital video recorder (DVR) footage from the shopping mall.
Police also examined the possibility of explosive or flammable materials being involved in the fire. However, forensic findings did not detect any explosive material.
The forensic report also found no traces of combustible liquid at the site. Police therefore focused their investigation on the mall’s safety arrangements and alleged negligence.
The challan names 87 witnesses in connection with the case. Their statements and other evidence will be considered during the court proceedings.
Government Agencies Given Clean Chit
Police have not held government agencies responsible for negligence in the incident. The challan gives a clean chit to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
The Fire Brigade has also not been blamed for negligence in the emergency response. Civil Defence officials were similarly cleared of wrongdoing.
Police stated that no negligence was found in the emergency response provided by these agencies.
The investigation instead points toward alleged shortcomings in the Gul Plaza premises. Authorities have particularly raised questions about fire safety measures inside the shopping mall.
The challan will now form part of the legal proceedings against the parties named in the case. The court will examine the evidence and witness statements before making further decisions.
Earlier Delay in Challan Submission
The police had previously sought additional time to submit the challan. During an earlier hearing, the investigation officer failed to present the report before the Additional District and Sessions Judge.
DSP Aamir had told the court that the investigation was complete. However, approval from senior police officers was still required before submitting the challan.
Police have now completed that process and submitted the report to the city court.
Deadly Gul Plaza Fire
The devastating Gul Plaza fire broke out on the night of January 17. The blaze quickly spread through the shopping mall.
The fire continued for more than 32 hours before firefighters brought it under control. More than 73 people were reported killed in the tragedy.
The incident raised serious concerns about fire safety standards in commercial buildings. The latest challan is expected to help determine responsibility for the deadly fire.
In other news read more about Karachi Police Hold Market Association Responsible for Deadly Gul Plaza Fire
The court will now review the police findings, forensic evidence, and statements from the 87 witnesses.
