Published Feb 08, 2026 | 4:30 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 08, 2026 | 4:30 PM
Director of FSL Shikha Goel.
Synopsis: A fire that broke out at the Telangana State Forensic Science Laboratory in Hyderabad has been brought under control. Director of FSL Shikha Goel dismissed what she termed “wild and preposterous allegations and speculations” circulating on social and traditional media regarding the cause of the fire and damage to case properties.
A fire that broke out at the Telangana State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Nampally in Hyderabad on Saturday, 7 February, has been brought under control, with officials asserting that most case properties have been safely retrieved despite damage to parts of the first floor.
The incident occurred at around 10 am on Saturday when FSL employee Sai Krishna noticed smoke emanating from the computer forensic lab and immediately alerted the inspector. Fire extinguishers available in the lab were deployed promptly, and the smoke detector system activated an alarm.
Fire services arrived within minutes of being notified, and the blaze was brought under control by 1.30 pm. The fire caused damage to the computer forensic lab and adjacent facilities, including the training room (HRD), library, and other areas on the first floor.
Director of FSL Shikha Goel confirmed that no loss of life or injuries occurred during the incident. “One office assistant suffered minor injuries whilst attempting to douse the fire with an extinguisher and was hospitalised,” she stated.
A complaint has been lodged at Nampally Police Station and an investigation is underway.
In a detailed statement, Goel addressed what she termed “wild and preposterous allegations and speculations” circulating on social and traditional media regarding the cause of the fire and damage to case properties.
“Whilst the police investigating the case were examining the scene of offence, in the presence of local panchas, a large part of the case property has been retrieved and has been placed under proper security,” she said.
The director also addressed claims concerning two high-profile cases that have been the subject of speculation.
Regarding the note for vote case, in which chief minister Revanth Reddy is accused, of the Anti-Corruption Bureau from 2015, Goel clarified that all 16 material objects received by the FSL in 2015 were examined, reports were submitted to the court the same year, and all items were returned to the court in 2021.
“No material pertaining to this case was available in FSL yesterday (Saturday),” she emphasised.
Concerning phone tapping case of Panjagutta Police Station, the FSL had received approximately 136 material objects between March 2024 and January 2026, Goel said all items except seven had been examined and reports submitted.
“The seven material objects which were still with the FSL were also being examined and their report is under preparation,” Goel explained.
She added that many of the 136 items had already been returned to the forwarding authority, whilst all remaining items have been retrieved safely since the incident and placed under proper security.
Meanwhile, Goel commended the FSL staff’s prompt action during the emergency.
“The staff acted extremely promptly. They used the available fire extinguishers immediately. Immediately fire department was informed. We disconnected all the equipment in FSL. All technical equipment was disconnected. All electricity supply to FSL including UPS were disconnected by the FSL staff itself.”
She noted that these swift measures helped limit damage to a relatively small area. “The major damage, whatever damage has happened, is only restricted to that area and nearby area, including our training room.”
The Telangana FSL is one of the few forensic laboratories holding both NABL and 79A IT Act accreditations, requiring adherence to stringent safety standards. Fire safety drills were conducted at the facility last year, and smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are installed throughout.
Central Zone DCP K Shilpavalli said initial investigation suggested the fire started due to a short circuit, though the exact cause is still under investigation. “At this stage, we cannot quantify the equipment and records damaged,” she stated.
Goel indicated that retrieved case property “appears to be physically undamaged” upon examination, though detailed assessment is ongoing. “Once we will be able to re-operate the lab we will be able to see if there is anything there,” she said.
The FSL remains operational except for the fire-affected portion of the building. Operations in the damaged area will resume once police clearance is obtained, as it remains a scene of occurrence.
Fire services deployed five tenders from Assembly, Secretariat, Gandhi Outpost, Secunderabad and Langar Houz, along with a fire-fighting robot. Smoke extractors were used to clear the building after the blaze was controlled within three hours.
Vehicular traffic in the area was diverted from Gangajaumuna Hotel via Niloufer Hotel Lane towards Red Hills during the incident.
Goel appealed to the public and media “to exercise due restraint and avoid making such unverified and unsubstantiated claims.”
“Steps are being taken to conduct security and fire audits immediately in the FSL and ensure that the damaged portions also start functioning as soon as possible,” she concluded.
Opposition BRS working president KT Rama Rao has alleged foul play, claiming on social media platform X that the incident appeared designed to “erase evidence,” naming the “Vote-for-Note” case amongst other matters.
Police have launched an investigation to establish the exact cause of the fire and assess the full extent of damage.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Sumit Jha.)
