THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the government claims that important files in Protocol department were not destroyed in the fire that occurred at Secretariat on Tuesday, the Opposition argues that it is a sabotage planned to avoid handing over of Gold smuggling case related files to the NIA.

The first accused now, according to the Public department’s finding, is a fan in the room, which melted and fell on curtains and papers, leading to the fire. The primary finding was that it was short-circuit in the computer.

Though the government claims that all important files are intact in protocol officer Sunil Kumar’s cupboard, if FIR regarding the fire incident and scene mahazar on destroyed files are ready, the government can avoid handing over of files to the NIA, giving the excuse that files were among the destroyed ones.

If they don’t get official file, it would be difficult to make IAS officers and ministers accused in the case. Partially burnt files will be scanned and the details of number of files will be assessed after capturing the files on camera.

Meanwhile, NIA has sought information regarding the fire from Central IB. As the fire incident is mysterious, the NIA can seize the files from Secretariat and examine as per CrPC rule-100.

The question that lingers in the minds of many is that can an overheated fan cause such a fire. The fire breaking out after all staff members in other sections left also appears to be mysterious.