Hyderabad’s forensic science laboratory turned into a scene of mystery on Sunday when a suspicious fire broke out, prompting Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao to demand an immediate judicial inquiry. Speaking to media in Hanamkonda during campaign activities for municipal elections, KTR alleged the blaze was a deliberate plot orchestrated by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to destroy crucial evidence in the long-pending ‘vote-for-note’ case.
The incident raises serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the fire. Occurring in a highly secure facility during winter, with no staff present despite round-the-clock operations, and conflicting government statements on the damage extent, everything points to foul play. Initially, officials downplayed the damage as minor, but the FIR later revealed that evidence from 2015 spanning a decade was completely obliterated.
KTR highlighted the baffling delay in extinguishing the fire, which took over three and a half hours in a three-story building where flames were supposedly confined to the first floor. Computers, servers, and digital records—nearly 50 systems—were reduced to ashes, wiping out vital forensic data forever. This isn’t just about one political case; thousands of serious criminal investigations now hang in balance, potentially allowing dangerous criminals to evade justice.
“This strikes at the heart of public safety and the fairness of our criminal justice system,” KTR asserted. He accused the Chief Minister of operating with tacit support from influential Delhi figures and urged the central government to intervene with top agencies for a high-level probe. Calling for a retired judge to lead an independent judicial inquiry, KTR challenged the police chief to prove the force’s independence by revealing all facts publicly.
The BRS leader warned that parts of the police are functioning like the CM’s personal army, underscoring the need for transparency. As the ‘vote-for-note’ case nears its final stage, this fire couldn’t have been more suspiciously timed, fueling demands for accountability and a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the ashes.