Homicide detectives speak with victim of violent home invasion, kidnapping
Hamilton police homicide detectives have been able to speak with Faqir Ali a week after he was kidnapped from his Glancaster Road home and his two sons shot in a violent home invasion.
The 63-year-old Ali and one of his sons continue to recover in hospital. His 21-year-old son, Hasnain (Nano) Ali, was killed.
Nano's funeral is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hamilton Mountain Mosque on Stone Church Road.
Both young men were shot trying to save their dad after suspects forced their way into the home and grabbed their dad around 3 a.m. on Sept. 16. Faqir was found seriously hurt around 9 a.m. on Beach Boulevard near Jimmy Lomax Park. He had been beaten, but not shot.
Two black SUVs used in the kidnapping have been recovered.
Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk of the major crime unit said detectives were able to meet with Faqir in hospital this Thursday. He said he couldn't comment on what police were told, but noted the family continues to co-operate.
The motive for the home invasion is still under investigation, he said, adding that police are working on theories.
Faqir is a prominent Canadian-Pakistani businessperson, who has photographs with politicians on his personal website. He previously served as president of the Pakistan Canada Association of Hamilton.
However, there is also indication of some financial troubles. This includes an open small-claims court ruling from 2018 that shows Faqir owed nearly $12,000 to a Brampton man. Property records show the family's home is in arrears and $21,939 in taxes is owed to the city.
Friends and family have described Faqir as generous and kind man. They cannot understand why he would be targeted.
Faqir's wife, Fauzia, told The Spectator the shooting and home invasion was devastating and happened so suddenly."
Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Lisa Chambers at 905-546-3843.
To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.
Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com