Nampally Forensic Fire Sparks Evidence Row, Probe Underway

A fire incident at the Telangana State Forensic Science Laboratory (TSFSL) in Hyderabad has triggered political controversy even as officials maintained that no crucial forensic evidence was destroyed. The blaze broke out around 10:08 a.m. on the first floor of the laboratory building, with staff noticing smoke and alerting authorities. Fire safety systems, including smoke alarms and on-site extinguishers, were activated immediately, and fire crews brought the flames under control by about 1:30 p.m. No fatalities were reported, though minor injuries were noted.

TSFSL Director Shikha Goel and senior police officials said the damage was limited to sections such as the computer forensics unit , training facilities, and some equipment, while main laboratories , case records , and physical evidence remained secure. Authorities emphasized that the lab follows data backup protocols , ensuring digital records linked to investigations were not lost. A case has been registered, and a detailed probe into the cause of the fire , including possible electrical issues, is underway along with a fire safety audit .

The state government and leaders of the ruling Indian National Congress stressed the need for transparency and urged the public not to believe unverified social media claims . Officials said most sensitive case materials had already been examined and reports submitted to courts, and preliminary checks show that retrieved items appear physically intact , though technical assessments continue. The Chief Minister’s Office has sought a full report and directed restoration of affected sections at the earliest.

However, opposition parties questioned the circumstances of the fire. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi alleged that digital devices , storage systems, and materials linked to major investigations may have been impacted, demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation to ensure impartiality. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party described the incident as suspicious, claiming that fires at locations holding sensitive data raise serious concerns and calling for an independent inquiry .

The forensic laboratory plays a critical role in criminal investigations across Telangana, handling cyber forensics , DNA analysis , and other scientific examinations. Even limited damage to infrastructure can slow processing timelines, though officials say contingency systems are in place to prevent disruption. Authorities reiterated that only verified findings from the ongoing investigation should be trusted and warned against spreading rumours as political debate over the incident continues.