BJP seeks independent inquiry into FSL fire, raises suspicion of sabotage

The BJP has demanded an independent and impartial probe into the fire accident at Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), suspecting sabotage.

BJP State unit president N. Ramchander Rao, who was in Kothagudem on Sunday for the municipal election campaign, told the media that the fire at FSL in Nampally cannot be viewed as a mere accident, as crucial evidence in several high-profile cases like hard disks, pen drives, DNA reports, voice samples and digital evidence were stored in the lab.

He said that the fire was a ‘deliberate attempt’ to derail the investigation into the phone tapping case involving BRS leaders. “Even after two years, the Congress government is dragging its feet on the phone tapping investigation,” he said.

Alleging a nexus between the Congress and BRS, Mr. Rao accused both parties of collaborating with each other. “To cover up their failures, corruption and inefficient governance, they are making baseless allegations against the BJP,” he said.

Fire-fighting personnel and police officials at the Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory at Nampally, Hyderabad, on Saturday.
| Photo Credit:
RAMAKRISHNA G.

Meanwhile, addressing the media at the party’s State headquarters in Hyderabad, BJP State spokesperson N.V. Subash said such a fire had never occurred in the 52-year history of the FSL in Nampally. “Therefore, it is not appropriate to call it a simple accident,” he stated.

“A former Chief Minister’s voice test reports, key phone conversation records and crucial evidence for a Supreme Court hearing were destroyed in the fire. How can we call it a coincidence when the incident occurred so close to the scheduled court hearing,” he asked.

“Attempts are being made to protect those involved in corruption cases during the previous BRS regime and to cite the fire as an excuse in court. Where is the CCTV footage of the Caesar room? Were the moments of the fire recorded,” he questioned.