Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir: At least nine people were killed and 29 others injured after a massive explosion tore through the Nowgam Police Station near Srinagar on Friday night. The blast occurred while police personnel and a forensic team were examining a large quantity of confiscated explosive material recently brought from Faridabad, Haryana.
According to officials, the explosives had been seized during an ongoing investigation into a terror module linked to the Pakistan-based outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The material was being inspected inside the police station when it accidentally detonated, causing extensive casualties and damage.
Police, Forensic Experts Among the Victims
Most of the deceased were police officials and members of the forensic examination team. Two senior officers from the Srinagar district administration also lost their lives in the incident. Authorities fear the toll may rise as several of the injured are in critical condition.
Injured Shifted to Army and SKIMS Hospitals
The wounded were rushed to the Indian Army’s 92 Base Hospital as well as the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) for urgent treatment. Medical teams are on high alert as more injured continue to be assessed.
The Nowgam Police Station has been fully cordoned off, and top officials from the Jammu & Kashmir Police and civil administration have reached the site to oversee rescue efforts and damage assessment.
Explosives Linked to JeM Radicalisation Network
The seized explosives were part of a wider investigation into a radicalisation module involving highly-qualified professionals, including doctors and students, who were allegedly in contact with foreign handlers.
In October, the arrest of Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather—accused of putting up JeM posters warning of attacks—led investigators to other suspects. Subsequent arrests of doctors Muzammil Shakeel and Shaheen Saeed in Faridabad resulted in the recovery of nearly 3,000 kg of ammonium nitrate, a key industrial explosive.
Authorities are continuing to examine the case to determine whether additional explosive material remains unaccounted for and whether the blast has impacted ongoing counter-terror investigations.
Death Toll May Rise
Officials caution that the number of fatalities could increase as the situation develops. A detailed assessment and technical analysis are currently underway to determine what triggered the accidental detonation.
