Major Fire at Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory Raises Concerns Over Digital Evidence Safety
A major fire broke out at the Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory (TGFSL) located at Nampally in Hyderabad on Friday, triggering serious concerns over the safety of digital forensic evidence and the continuity of ongoing criminal investigations across the state.
Fire breaks out in cyber-forensics section
According to official sources, the fire originated on the first floor of the TGFSL building, which houses the computer and cyber-forensics division, along with a training hall and administrative facilities. The incident was reported in the afternoon, following which multiple fire tenders were rushed to the spot.
Preliminary assessments indicate that more than 40 computers, servers, and digital forensic devices were damaged in the blaze. Thick smoke engulfed the floor, forcing staff members to evacuate immediately.
Fire officials stated that the blaze was brought under control after sustained firefighting efforts, preventing it from spreading to other sections of the laboratory.
No fatalities, minor injuries reported
Authorities confirmed that no fatalities occurred as a result of the incident. However, one staff member sustained minor injuries, reportedly due to smoke inhalation, and was provided immediate medical attention. Other employees escaped unharmed.
Senior officials from the police and forensic departments reached the site soon after the incident to oversee emergency response and initiate damage assessment.
Physical evidence largely safe, digital loss under assessment
In an initial relief for investigators and courts, officials clarified that most seized physical exhibits and biological evidence stored in other sections of the laboratory appear to be intact and unaffected by the fire.
However, the extent of damage to digital forensic evidence remains unclear. The cyber-forensics division handles sensitive materials such as seized mobile phones, laptops, storage devices, and extracted digital data related to cybercrime, financial fraud, terrorism, and other serious criminal cases.
A detailed technical assessment is currently underway to determine:
- Whether any digital evidence was permanently lost
- If secure or offsite backup copies are available
- The possible impact on pending forensic reports submitted to courts
Officials stated that maintaining data integrity and chain of custody remains the top priority during the assessment process.
Suspected electrical short circuit; probe ordered
Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit in a switch box. However, officials emphasized that this conclusion is not final.
The Telangana government has ordered a formal investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire, examine compliance with electrical and fire safety standards, and determine whether negligence played any role.
Forensic and legal implications
The incident has raised serious concerns among investigators, forensic experts, and legal professionals, as digital forensic evidence now plays a crucial role in criminal prosecutions.
Any loss, delay, or compromise of forensic data could potentially:
- Delay ongoing trials and investigations
- Lead to legal challenges on evidence admissibility
- Increase dependency on alternative state or central forensic laboratories
In the short term, cases requiring cyber-forensic examination may be redirected to other forensic facilities until normal operations at TGFSL are restored.
Calls for transparency and safeguards
The fire has prompted calls from forensic professionals and public observers for greater transparency, independent audits, and stronger digital evidence protection mechanisms in forensic institutions.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for:
- Robust offsite and redundant digital backups
- Advanced fire detection and suppression systems
- Regular safety audits in forensic laboratories handling critical evidence
Way forward
Restoration work at the Nampally forensic laboratory is expected to begin once safety clearances are issued. Officials have assured that every effort will be made to recover damaged digital data wherever technically feasible and to minimize disruption to ongoing investigations.
Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses and a comprehensive damage assessment report is finalized.
This report is published by Budding Forensic Expert. Reproduction permitted with proper attribution.
