KARACHI, Sindh: The newly appointed investigating officer challenged Tanveer Pasta’s bail as police reopened the Gul Plaza fire investigation under a court-ordered fresh probe.
DSP Aamir filed an application before the District and Sessions Court South seeking cancellation of the interim bail granted to Gul Plaza Traders Association President Tanveer Pasta and other suspects. The court adjourned the application until July 21.
In separate proceedings, the Additional District and Sessions Court South extended the suspects’ interim bail after the prosecution and police requested more time to complete the renewed investigation.
Prosecutor Rana Khaliq told the court that investigators would again record the suspects’ statements under Section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Police will also obtain statements and records from the Sindh Building Control Authority and other institutions.
Read: Karachi Mayor Announces Free Stalls for Traders Affected by Gul Plaza Tragedy
A judicial magistrate ordered the fresh investigation after rejecting the earlier police charge sheet as inadequate. The court directed police to appoint an officer of at least deputy superintendent rank and examine whether negligence by regulatory, municipal and emergency-response agencies contributed to the disaster.
The previous charge sheet named Pasta, union officials Ammar Ismail, Muhammad Ameen and Muhammad Ramzan, shopkeeper Naimatullah and his 11-year-old son Huzaifa. The prosecution had repeatedly returned the document over evidentiary and procedural deficiencies.
The January 17 fire destroyed the Gul Plaza shopping complex on MA Jinnah Road and killed more than 70 people. Recent court reporting has placed the death toll at 72.
