Hyderabad, February 8: K.T. Rama Rao, the executive president of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), has called for a judicial investigation into the recent fire incident at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Hyderabad.
He alleged that the fire was a deliberate attempt to destroy crucial evidence related to the long-pending ‘vote-for-note’ case involving Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
While addressing the media during the party’s campaign for municipal elections in Hanamkonda, Rama Rao claimed that the incident was aimed at permanently eliminating forensic materials at a time when the case was nearing its conclusion and a verdict was imminent.
Rama Rao emphasized that the circumstances surrounding the fire raise serious suspicions. These include the occurrence of a fire in a highly secure facility during winter, the absence of staff in a 24-hour operational laboratory, and contradictory statements from the government regarding the extent of the damage.
He stated, “Initially, officials claimed that the damage was minor. However, later reports revealed that evidence dating back to 2015 had been completely destroyed. This sudden change only strengthens the suspicion of a conspiracy.”
Rama Rao also questioned how it took over three and a half hours to extinguish the fire in a three-story building, especially since it was reported that the fire was confined to just the first floor. According to him, computers, servers, and digital records were also destroyed, with nearly 50 systems lost, resulting in the complete obliteration of critical forensic data.
He expressed deep concern that evidence related to thousands of serious criminal cases has allegedly been destroyed, potentially allowing dangerous criminals to evade justice. “This is not merely a political issue. It directly impacts public safety and the integrity of the criminal justice system,” he said.
The BRS leader accused the Chief Minister of operating under the silent support of influential figures in Delhi and demanded a thorough investigation into this aspect. He called on the central government to intervene immediately and order an impartial, high-level investigation by its key agencies.
Rama Rao also urged for the appointment of a retired judge to conduct an independent judicial inquiry into the fire and the alleged destruction of evidence.
He further alleged that parts of the police force are acting like the Chief Minister’s “private army.” He challenged the Director General of Police to present all facts to the public if the department is truly independent.
