Nowgam Police Station Blast: Forensic Procedure Turns Deadly
A devastating explosion at the Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir has claimed at least nine lives, with officials confirming the death toll may rise further. The tragic incident occurred late Friday night during what authorities describe as a routine forensic sampling procedure.
The explosion took place at approximately 11:20 PM on Friday while forensic teams were processing a large cache of explosive materials connected to an ongoing terror investigation. The blast was so powerful that its shockwaves were reportedly felt up to 30 kilometers away from the police station.
Official Statement from Ministry of Home Affairs
Prashant Lokhande, Joint Secretary (J&K Division) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, provided crucial details about the circumstances leading to the explosion. "During the investigation of a terror module, a huge cache of explosive substances and chemicals had been recovered and kept securely in an open area of the police station," Lokhande stated.
He further explained that forensic teams had been working continuously for two days to process the voluminous recovery of explosive materials. "All the agencies involved in the investigation are working together in a coordinated and scientific way. As part of standard and prescribed procedure, the recovered chemical and explosives samples were being forwarded for further forensic and chemical examination," Lokhande added.
Terror Investigation Background
The Nowgam police station has been central to the investigation that recently uncovered a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) interstate terror module. The probe began after JeM posters appeared in the area and eventually led investigators hundreds of kilometers away to Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
During raids to dismantle this module, Jammu and Kashmir Police had recovered more than 350 kg of ammonium nitrate as part of approximately 2,900 kg of suspected explosive material. The cache also included potash, phosphorus, reagents, flammable materials, electronic circuits, batteries, wires, remote controls, timers, and metal sheets.
Immediate Aftermath and Damage
A senior Jammu and Kashmir police officer described the extensive damage caused by the powerful explosion. The Nowgam police station and several adjacent vehicles were engulfed in flames, while barracks housing police personnel suffered significant damage. Several officers sustained injuries in the incident.
Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams quickly reached the Nowgam police station following the explosion to begin their assessment of the scene and investigate the exact cause of the accidental detonation.
Lokhande emphasized that "the cause of the accident is being investigated, and any other speculation is unnecessary." He concluded by stating that "the government stands in solidarity with the families of the deceased in this hour of grief."
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the precise sequence of events that led to this tragic accident during what should have been a controlled forensic procedure.
