New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- The Delhi High Court has refused to discharge an accused in the 2019 Anaj Mandi fire case, holding that there is "sufficient prima facie material" to proceed against him for offences under Sections 304 Part II, 308, 35, and 36 of the Indian Penal Code.

Justice Dr. Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that Imran, as one of the co-owners and beneficiaries of the building, "recklessly disregarded the safety of its occupants" and prioritised profit over human lives.

On December 8, 2019, a devastating fire broke out in a multi-storey building at Anaj Mandi, Sadar Bazar, killing 45 people, including nine minors, and injuring 21 others. Most victims were labourers asleep inside illegal manufacturing units that had been operating ...