Published Feb 07, 2026 | 6:57 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 07, 2026 | 6:57 PM
Firefighters fought around three hours to contain the blaze. (Dr Krishank/X)
Synopsis: BRS working president KT Rama Rao said the incident appeared designed to “erase evidence” in the “Vote-for-Note” case and other matters.
A suspected electrical short-circuit sparked a blaze at the Telangana State Forensic Science Laboratory (TSFSL) at Hyderabad’s Namapally on Saturday, 7 February.
The fire that raged for a few hours raised doubts about the safety of several crucial digital and documentary pieces of evidence linked to even high-profile cases.
The TSFSL authorities, however, were tight-lipped about the extent of damage.
The Fire and Emergency Services informed South First that they were notified of the blaze at 10:21 am. Five fire tenders from the Assembly, Secretariat, Gandhi Outpost, Secunderabad and Langar Houz were dispatched to contain the fire that had broken out at the computer laboratory on the first floor of the building.
A fire-fighting robot, too, was deployed, even as the blaze spread to the other parts of the floor.
Firefighters initially tried to contain the blaze using fire extinguishers in the building, as staff members alerted them of the presence of computers and sensitive equipment.
When those efforts failed, personnel pumped in water to control the flames. By then, the fire had spread to three to four rooms.
Officials said thick smoke filled the first floor, prompting the employees to evacuate. No fatalities were reported. One office assistant suffered minor injuries while attempting to douse the fire with an extinguisher and was hospitalised.
“We suspect the fire started due to a short circuit. At this stage, we cannot quantify the equipment and records damaged,” Central Zone DCP K Shilpavalli said.
A senior fire department officer said the blaze was brought under control within three hours. Teams deployed smoke extractors to clear the building, he added.
Vehicular traffic was affected in the area, as police diverted the traffic from Gangajaumuna Hotel via Nilofer Hotel Lane towards Red Hills.
Meanwhile, Opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi leaders alleged foul play, claiming the fire was meant to destroy evidence.
Party working president KT Rama Rao said on X that the incident appeared designed to “erase evidence,” naming the “Vote-for-Note” case and other matters. He tagged Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy in the post.
Police have launched an investigation to establish the exact cause of the fire and assess the extent of damage.
