Baldia Factory Fire: Court orders arrest of investigation officer

Additional Sessions Judge Noshaba Ghazi during the hearing of the case today expressed displeasure over the absence of the Investigating Officer (IO) Sub-Inspector Jehanzeb and issued non-bailable arrest warrant against him. The judge also ordered to cease the salary of the investigation officer.

The court in its previous hearing had ordered the investigation officer to complete the statements of witnesses and file them in the court in the hearing today. The IO, however, failed to comply with the court’s order.

Meanwhile, factory owners Abdul Aziz Bhaila, Arshad Bhaila and Shahid Bhaila also failed to appear in court today. Their counsel informed the court that his clients could not appear on medical grounds. The court ordered to submit medical certificates in the next hearing.

Special Public Prosecutor Shazia Hanjra who had separated herself from the Baldia Town case recently today submitted the copy of her dis-association letter in the court.

The court adjourned the matter to March 7.