A major fire at Tashkent State Agrarian University, located in the Kibray district, has led to the launch of a criminal investigation. The fire, which occurred on September 30, caused significant damage to the university’s buildings, prompting authorities to open a case under Article 259, Part 2 of the Criminal Code (Violation of Fire Safety Rules), according to a statement by Bobur Tolaganov, the spokesperson for the Tashkent Regional Department of Internal Affairs.

The fire reportedly broke out at the premises of the State Forestry Agency, located within the university grounds. Initially, it was believed to have started in one of the university buildings. However, the university’s press service later clarified that the fire had affected the roof of the Forestry Agency’s building. This statement was later deleted from the university's official Telegram channel.

The Forestry Agency denied reports that its building had been severely damaged. “The claims circulating on social media that the Forestry Agency’s building burned down are false. Although the roof sustained partial damage from water during the firefighting process, it was not significant,” the agency told UzA news agency.

Contradicting the agency’s claims, reports indicate that the university's buildings did sustain considerable damage from the fire. Specialists are currently investigating the site to determine the exact cause and origin of the fire, as well as the extent of the damage.

According to the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), the fire broke out at 8:10 p.m. on September 30, and firefighting crews arrived at the scene by 8:17 p.m. The fire was contained by 9:36 p.m. and fully extinguished by 10:10 p.m.

Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The firefighting operation was directly overseen by Major General A.K. Kuldoshev, Minister of Emergency Situations, who was present at the scene.