Fire at Telangana Forensic Lab: Most forensic evidence safe, says officials

TGFSL has issued a clarification after a fire broke out on its first floor, damaging the computer forensic lab, training hall, and other facilities. Authorities assured that most forensic evidence and case property remain safe.

Hyderabad: The Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory (TGFSL) authorities late on Saturday issued a clarification following the major fire reported at its premises in Nampally, urging restraint over speculative media reports and asserting that most forensic evidence and case property remains safe.

In the clarification, officials gave details and said the fire broke out around 10.08 am on the first floor of the laboratory building and was first noticed by an employee who saw smoke emanating from one of the rooms.

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He immediately alerted other staff members and the Inspector of Police posted at TGFSL, and also used a fire extinguisher to contain the flames. The smoke alarm system installed on the floor was triggered, prompting swift emergency action.

“Fire tenders reached the spot within minutes of being informed and successfully brought the fire under control by about 1.30 pm,” they said.

Officials further said the incident caused damage to the computer forensic laboratory, the training hall and some other facilities on the first floor. No injuries or loss of life were reported.

FSL stated that while an assessment of the damage was underway, the majority of forensic materials and case-related evidence were intact.

A complaint has been lodged with the local police and an investigation is on to determine the cause of the fire.

Officials urged against spreading unverified and unsubstantiated claims regarding the incident, stressing that conclusions on the cause and extent of damage would be known after police investigation.