Hyderabad: Massive fire at Telangana Forensic Science Lab in Nampally, crucial evidence at risk

Hyderabad: A major fire broke out at the Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Nampally on Saturday, triggering panic among staff and raising serious concerns over the safety of crucial digital and documentary evidence linked to several high-profile cases.

Fire breaks out in computer lab

According to officials, the fire initially erupted in the computer laboratory located on the first floor of the FSL building. Thick smoke quickly engulfed the premises and the flames spread to other parts of the floor. Staff members rushed out of the building to safety as the situation escalated.

Fire and emergency services rushed to the spot after receiving information and deployed five fire engines to douse the flames. Firefighters are still working to fully control the smoke and assess the extent of damage. Preliminary inputs suggest that a short circuit may have caused the blaze.

Senior police officials review situation

Senior police officers, including Shweta, North Zone DIG, and Shilpavalli, DCP, Khairatabad Zone, visited the site and reviewed the situation firsthand.

Crucial evidence stored at risk

Officials expressed grave concern as the FSL houses critical evidence related to several sensitive and high-profile cases. The computer servers in the first-floor lab reportedly store digital data connected to major investigations, including:

Evidence related to the phone tapping case

Audio and video files linked to the “vote-for-note” case, preserved for several years

Key digital files and documents connected to the MLA poaching case

In addition to digital data, the first floor also contains important rooms with paper-based evidence collected in multiple cases. Authorities said the actual extent of damage would be known only after the smoke is completely cleared and a technical inspection of the servers is carried out.

Traffic diversions in Nampally area

In view of the fire accident, police have imposed temporary traffic diversions in the area. Traffic is being diverted from Gangajamuna Hotel via Nilofer Hospital Lane towards Red Hills Lane. Commuters have been advised to follow the diversions and cooperate with traffic personnel deployed on the ground.

Further details on losses and the safety of forensic evidence are awaited.