In an interrogation report submitted by police in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Monday, prime accused Abdul Rehman alias Rehman Bhola confessed to starting a devastating factory fire in Karachi’s Baldia Town four years ago, that claimed lives of 257 people.

The suspect was presented in ATC amid tight security after expiry of his remand.

During the interrogation, Rehman Bhola revealed that garment factory in Baldia Town was set on fire on Karachi Tanzeemi Committee in charge Hammad Siddiqui’s order after its owners refused to pay extortion and declined partnership offer.

He said Zubair Charya and other accomplices assisted him.

Meanwhile, the court extended Rehman Bhola’s remand till December 29.

Rehman, 46, was detained by Thai Interpol at a hotel in the red light district Nana area of the Bangkok on December 2. Later, he was brought back to Karachi by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

The gang burned down the Ali Enterprises factory in September 2012 when the owners refused to pay Rs25 crore extortion.