The plastic factory at Suffian Chowk, which collapsed after a major fire...followed legalities for two storeys only. As per checks by the district administration, the factory owner had paid the house tax for two storeys only, while it had five.

On...[20 November, 2017]...a massive fire broke out in the plastic manufacturing factory. Till noon, fire was controlled but the building collapsed and several people, including nine firemen, were buried under the debris...13 bodies were recovered and two persons were rescued in a joint rescue operation...

Residents claimed to have raised the issue of "illegal factory running in a residential area" with the MC, but it took no action.

Gurdev Singh, whose house was also damaged, said the factory was located in Mushtaqgunj which was a residential area. Besides, dangerous chemicals were being used, he added…

On the issue of inflammable chemicals inside the factory, [president of the Plastic Manufacturers and Traders’ Association] said, "There is no separate permission required for storage or use of chemicals. When Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) granted permission to the factory for manufacturing of plastic, then it is obvious that the unit will use the chemicals required for it..."