Grenade explosion: Police book house owner in terror case

LAHORE: The owner of the house, which collapsed a day earlier after a grenade explosion, has been booked under terrorism charges and for keeping illegal weapons as well as an attempt to murder case.

A man had died and six family members were injured Wednesday morning when the roof of a house in the Akbari Gate area caved in reportedly after a grenade exploded. Two of the injured victims admitted to the Mayo Hospital are said to be in critical condition.

During the rescue operation, 11 grenades, submachine gun empties and seven .30 calibre bullets were found. The seized ammunition has been sent for forensic examination.

The Lahore police’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) later registered a case under the terrorism act against the house owner and included sections of attempt to murder and possession of illegal weapons.

The CTD is investigating the case on terrorism charges as the house is located on the route of the main Muharram procession and other gatherings by the Shia community.

An investigation officer told The Express Tribune that police were focusing on why the family was keeping the ammunition keeping in view it owned a business of scrap and clothes.

Four sons of Haji Imran Mashadi were living in the 10-room house with their families. The family runs undergarments shops in Shah Alam Market.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2016.