A court in Karachi Friday rejected the bail applications of the factory owner and seven other accused arrested for causing the death of around a dozen people in a stampede during the distribution of ration handouts in the SITE area on March 31.

At least 12 people were killed when a Zakat distribution drive turned into a deadly stampede that took place at Naurus Chowrangi in the factory-lined SITE a week ago.

Initial findings of the investigation revealed that the stampede occurred due to the negligence of the factory owners, who didn’t follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The court remarked that bail cannot be granted at the initial stages of a case hearing adding that the decision regarding bail will be finalized in light of the role of the accused once the challan is received.

The defendant’s lawyer said that the factory owner distributes ration money amongst his employees’ families every year, but this year it ended in a stampede resulting in 12 deaths.

The lawyer added that the stampede was an accident and his client was not at fault given that the factory owner was not present at the time of the stampede.

The public prosecutor said that the factory owners failed to inform the police about their ration distribution plans and to take adequate safety measures, which led to the stampede.

The police have registered an FIR and against nine people including the factory owner. They face charges of criminal neglect.

On Thursday, April 6, police produced the eight arrested suspects in the court of judicial magistrate (west), where the court sought a challan from the investigating officer on the next hearing and sent the accused to jail on judicial remand.

On April 1, the court had rejected the request to release the nine accused, including the factory owner, and granted them a five-day physical remand.