BAHAWALNAGAR: A man was booked for illegal decanting of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) on Sunday after nine persons, including four children, suffered critical burns in a fire caused by gas leakage at his shop located on Arifwala Road here on Saturday.
As per sources, the shopkeeper had also been booked earlier on June 13 on the complaint of a civil defence official by B-Division police and arrested for illegal gas decanting, but he was not only released shortly after his arrest, but his shop was also de-sealed by the civil defense officials.
The FIR registered on the complaint of civil defense officer Mubashar Hassan on Sunday stated that Ali Raza of Mohalla Khadimabad, ran a fridge repairing workshop, where he also decanted LPG gas illegally.
On Saturday, he was refilling a gas cylinder when a fire broke out due to gas leakage and short circuit.
Four children among injured; shopkeeper had also been booked earlier for illegal decanting
It stated that the fire immediately engulfed some nearby shops, resulting in burns to nine persons, including four children. According to the traders, the presence of gas refilling outlets in the city’s busy areas, lacking fire safety arrangements, poses a risk to people’s life and property.
They also criticised the relevant departments, including police and civil defense, for condoning such activities.
Rescue 1122 sources say that those suffering burns in the fire incident have been shifted to the DHQ hospital.
According to the hospital sources, seven patients are being treated at the DHQ hospital, while two are being sent to Mayo Hospital, Lahore, owing to their critical condition.
Civil Defense Officer Mubashar Hasan told Dawn that because gas decanting is a bailable offense, local police often release such suspects on personal bail, resulting in such incidents.
He stated that illegal decanting is usually done secretly in houses or under the guise of another business, which needs to be checked through special SOPs.
Police spokesperson was not available for the department’s response.
Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2026
