Forensic Science Lab fire sparks suspicion of conspiracy, BRS demands judicial probe

The BRS alleged that the fire at Hyderabad’s Forensic Science Laboratory was a deliberate attempt to destroy evidence in sensitive cases, including the vote-for-note case. Party leader Dasoju Sravan demanded a judicial inquiry and recovery of digital data.

Hyderabad: Saturday’s fire accident at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) here triggered sharp political reactions, with the BRS raising doubts that the incident was not accidental but a deliberate attempt to destroy crucial evidence linked to sensitive cases, including the ‘vote for note’ case.

Raising serious doubts over the circumstances of the blaze, BRS MLC Dasoju Sravan alleged that the fire broke out specifically in the section housing files related to high-profile cases, making it difficult to believe that it was caused merely by a short circuit. He contended that the incident appeared to be a “well-planned attempt” to wipe out evidence rather than a technical failure.

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“It is not the files that were set on fire, but the democratic values of this State,” he said, alleging that the destruction of records amounted to erasing critical evidence in cases with far-reaching political implications. He demanded an inquiry by a sitting High Court judge to identify those responsible for what he described as a larger conspiracy.

Concerns were also raised over the reported damage to digital evidence. Questioning official claims, Sravan asked whether computers were genuinely destroyed in the fire or whether incriminating digital records linked to major scams were intentionally reduced to ashes. In an era of advanced technology, claims of data loss without proper backups amounted to misleading the public, he said.

Terming the incident an “organised conspiracy” aimed at shielding offenders, the BRS leader demanded that the alleged masterminds behind the destruction of files and digital evidence be brought to light.

He also questioned the State government’s responsibility, stating that if even a high-security forensic laboratory was unsafe, it raised serious concerns about access to justice for ordinary citizens. While expressing relief that four employees escaped unhurt, he said the fate of thousands of cases and the truth they contained remained uncertain.

Warning that the government’s credibility was at stake, Sravan said failure to order an immediate and impartial probe would only strengthen suspicions of official complicity in the incident.

His demands included a judicial inquiry by a sitting judge, recovery of all available data from cloud backups with the release of a white paper detailing the status of files, and strict action, including suspension, against officials responsible for the security lapse.