KTR suspects conspiracy to destroy Cash-for-Vote case evidence in FSL fire, demands judicial probe

BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao alleged that the fire at Telangana’s Forensic Science Laboratory was deliberate and aimed at destroying evidence in the Cash-for-Vote case. He demanded a judicial probe by a retired judge and sought the Centre’s intervention

Hyderabad: Raising serious doubts over the fire accident at the Telangana State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Nampally, BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao on Sunday alleged that it was a deliberate act aimed at destroying crucial evidence in the long-pending Cash-for-Vote case, in which Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is an accused. He sought immediate intervention by the Centre and demanded a judicial probe by a retired judge to ensure stringent action.

Speaking to the media at Hanamkonda, Rama Rao said the fire was orchestrated to erase forensic evidence just as the 11-year-old case was nearing its final stage. The incident could not be treated as an accident, he said, questioning how a highly secured forensic facility caught fire. He also pointed out that the Chief Minister holds the Home portfolio, under which the FSL functions.

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The BRS leader said several aspects of the incident raised suspicion, including the outbreak of fire during winter, claims that no staff were present despite the laboratory being operational round-the-clock, and the more than three hours taken to douse the flames on the first floor of the three-storey building. He also questioned the government’s changing versions of the incident.

“Initially, the authorities claimed that there was minimal loss. However, the FIR later revealed that 10 years’ worth of evidence dating back to 2015 had been completely destroyed. This drastic shift only strengthens the suspicion of a conspiracy,” he said.

Citing details from the FIR, Rama Rao said computers, servers and crucial forensic data related not only to the Cash-for-Vote case but also to thousands of other criminal cases were gutted, potentially compromising prosecutions and allowing offenders to go scot-free. Nearly 50 computers and servers were destroyed in the blaze.

“This is not merely about one political case; this has direct implications for public safety and the integrity of the criminal justice system,” he remarked.

Pointing to a possible collusion between the Congress government in Telangana and the BJP-led Centre, the former minister alleged that the incident was carried out with the tacit support of powerful forces at the Centre with an interest in the Cash-for-Vote case. He said people were questioning why no central agency had stepped in so far if there was no nexus between the Chief Minister and the BJP leadership.

Expressing lack of faith in the State police, Rama Rao said law enforcement was functioning as the Chief Minister’s “private army” by selectively targeting opposition leaders while shielding those close to the ruling establishment. He cited instances of alleged police inaction in cases involving individuals linked to the ruling party.

He demanded the appointment of a retired judge for an independent judicial probe into the fire and the alleged destruction of evidence. He also sought permission for an all-party delegation, along with forensic experts, to visit the FSL site to assess the damage. He challenged the Director General of Police to place all facts in the public domain if the government had nothing to hide.

Rama Rao called upon the Union government to intervene immediately and order an impartial, high-level investigation through its premier agencies. He said only an independent inquiry could determine whether the fire was accidental or deliberate and whether any external influence was involved.

“Telangana’s people are viewing this entire episode as a conspiracy. Only a transparent and independent judicial probe can bring the truth to light,” he asserted.