Fire in city court's record room doused: officials

SSP Shahid Nazir dismisses reports of foul play, promises investigation into incident

A fire which erupted in the record room of the metropolis' city court was brought under control after an hours-long firefighting effort on Wednesday.

The record room, which stores evidence recovered from those arrested by law enforcement, caught fire early Wednesday morning and burned down a section of the building. A portion of the room's roof also collapsed.

Reports suggested that the fire broke out due to flammable material present inside the room which was not properly stored. Locals residing in the area also reported hearing explosions. Valuables worth millions were also reportedly destroyed in the fire.

"A number of times we had requested the concerned authorities to shift the record room from court premises, but they turned a blind eye to our requests," said the president of the Karachi Bar.

IG Sindh AD Khawaja said initial reports suggest a short circuit as the cause of the fire.

SSP City Shiraz Nazir, while talking to the media, informed reporters that the record room usually houses case property, and items recovered from suspects.

 



Nazir added that the room was locked from the outside and dismissed foul play as a probable cause of the incident. A thorough investigation into the matter would be initiated soon, he said.

At least 10 vehicles of the fire brigade reached the site and brought the fire under control. A bomb disposal squad was also called to clear the premises of any unexploded explosive material.

Court proceedings for the day were suspended and the court remained closed.