Shikha Goel Slams Forensic Lab Fire Misinformation

The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Director Shikha Goel today said that misinformation was being spread following the recent fire incident at the FSL facility.

Addressing the media in Hyderabad, she confirmed that the fire broke out at 10:08 am on Saturday and was brought under control by the fire department by 1:30 pm. The blaze affected parts of the FSL building, including the laboratory, training hall, library and HRD room, she said.

"We have lodged a complaint with the police regarding the fire. An investigation into the cause of the incident has begun. The officials are assessing the extent of the damage, and we will share further details once we have a clear understanding of the situation," she said.

Goel alleged that some individuals were however circulating false information claiming that crucial evidence in two major cases had been destroyed in the fire.

"We had already submitted the materials related to those cases to the court. There are also baseless claims about a 2015 ACB case. Evidence in the case registered at the Panjagutta police station has also been presented before the court," she said.

She added that of the 136 pieces of evidence secured up to 2024, all but seven had been submitted to the court. "The FSL has kept all evidence and equipment safe. Even if anything is affected, our team will recover the information," she said.