Baldia factory set ablaze at Hammad Siddiqui's behest: challan

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) member Hammad Siddiqui had ordered to set fire to a factory in Baldia Town Karachi that had claimed lives of 259 people in September, 2012, stated a police challan on Tuesday.

Police submitted supplementary challan of the Baldia factory inferno case to an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday. It stated that senior MQM leaders tried their best to change the direction of the case.

The challan read that, upon the directives of Hammad Siddiqui, Rs250 million Bhatta (protection money) and share in profit was demanded from owner of the factory Ali Enterprises.

The case also includes terrorism clauses in the light of recommendations by a joint investigation team (JIT) that probed the incident.

The challan, submitted today, nominated 58 suspects, while prime suspects Hammad Siddiqui and Rehman alias Bhola were declared fugitive.

In September 2012, a deadly fire devoured 269 lives at a factory situated in Karachi's Baldia Town. Subsequent investigations led to revelations that the factory was deliberately set ablaze over non-payment of protection money.

A JIT probing the matter put the blame on some MQM members and activists including Hammad Siddiqui and Rehman Bhola. The party has repeatedly denied the allegations.