Baldia factory fire suspect held

Karachi
The Preedy police on Wednesday night arrested three suspects including Shakeel alias Chota who was allegedly involved in torching of a garments factory in Baldia Town which claimed at least 250 lives in 2012.
The Preedy police said they had received information about the presence of criminals near Empress market and had subsequently raided the designated location behind Rainbow Centre two days ago.
They said when the police party had reached the hideout of criminals, who were said to be affiliated with a political party, the accused opened fire. A shootout between the two parties had ensued, following which the police had arrested three suspects, including Shakeel alias Chota, who were brought to the police stations and handed over to for interrogation.
The Preedy police said weapons including sub-machine guns were also recovered from the men.
The investigation officer assigned to the case said the accused Shakeel alias Choota confessed to his involvement in torching Ali Enterprises in Baldia Town area on September 11, 2012, in which 257 people were burnt alive and hundreds others injured.
The police said Shakeel told the investigators that he and five others, including Shahid alias Pasha, had hired a Suzuki hi-roof to go to Baldia Town. Three of them had entered the factory and splashed petrol at its premises from a can they had brought with them while the remaining three stayed outside. All of them had fled after the factory caught fire.
Police said Shakeel had also told the investigators that he and his associates were also involved in extortion and disturbing law and order creating during strikes.