Three more remanded to police custody in RJ Mall fire case

The Judicial Magistrate East has remanded three more accused to police custody in RJ Mall fire case.

The court also issued notices to relevant parties regarding a petition seeking the exclusion of these three accused from the case.

Police arrested three suspects, including the son of the absconding builder, and retrieved the DVR.

Among the eight presented accused were Hasan Dhoni, the builder's son, Hasher, and Yawar, along with Muhammad Adnan, Muhammad Imran, Faizan Raza, Sultan Salim, and Muhammad Abid Shah.

The investigating officer reported significant progress, stating that three suspects were apprehended while attempting to destroy crucial evidence, including the mall's DVR and pertinent documents.

During the court proceedings, the accused asserted they were delivering a file to Hasan when they were arrested.

The public prosecutor underscored the gravity of the incident, emphasising the loss of 11 lives and asserting that no leniency would be granted to any responsible party.

Read Five detained in shopping mall fire case

Advocate Amir Mansoob argued that Dhoni, the detained son of the builder, had no connection to the incident or the shopping mall.

The court inquired about the missing DVR, and the public prosecutor claimed it was recovered from Dhoni. The defence contested this, filing a plea under section 63 to exclude the name of the accused. Expressing displeasure at the disparate treatment by police officials, the court remarked that investigations should precede such applications.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2023.