The Lahore Police on Wednesday recorded the statement of the main suspect in the tragic roof collapse incident, who claimed that financial hardship prevented him from repairing the deteriorating structure.

According to police, the main suspect, identified as Rehan, told investigators that the roof had been leaking during the rainy season and that he, along with his brothers and a mason, had been carrying out repair work by installing tiles when the structure suddenly collapsed.

“The roof used to leak during the monsoon rains, and we were fixing tiles to prevent water from seeping through when it suddenly gave way,” Rehan said in his statement.

He told police that he could not afford to construct a new roof due to poverty and that his wife ran the tuition centre to help support the family’s household expenses.

Police said Rehan, along with his brothers Faizan, Usman and Umar, lived in a three-marla house where the tuition centre was being operated.

The roof collapse occurred in Lahore’s Kahna area and claimed the lives of 14 children, triggering widespread grief and raising questions about the safety of the building.

According to police, a criminal case has been registered against the suspects under relevant provisions relating to accidental deaths and negligence.

The first information report (FIR) alleges negligence on the part of the accused.

Police officials said the suspects would be produced before a court to seek their physical remand as investigations into the incident continue.