Tragic Explosion Rocks Srinagar Police Station, Claims Nine Lives
A devastating explosion at the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in nine fatalities and 32 injuries on Friday night. The blast occurred around 11:20 pm when authorities were handling explosives confiscated in connection with a major terror investigation.
Investigation into White-Collar Terror Module Turns Tragic
According to J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, the explosion happened during forensic sampling of approximately 360 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, recovered from Faridabad, Haryana. The materials were part of evidence gathered in the 'white-collar' terror module case and were stored in an open area within the police station premises.
The forensic sampling process had been ongoing for two days before the tragic incident. Police officials emphasized that the handling was being done with extreme caution due to the unstable and sensitive nature of the recovered explosives.
Victims Include Multiple Government Departments
The casualties represent several government agencies involved in the investigation process. Among the nine deceased were:
- Three personnel from the Forensic Science Laboratory
- Two Revenue Department officials, including a Naib Tehsildar
- Two police photographers
- One member of the State Investigation Agency
- A local tailor
The injured included 27 police personnel, two revenue officials, and three civilians from adjacent areas who were present during the sampling operation.
Official Statements and Investigation Updates
During a press conference, DGP Nalin Prabhat confirmed the blast was "accidental" and urged against unnecessary speculation. The Ministry of Home Affairs echoed this sentiment, stating that any other theories about the incident's cause were unwarranted.
The police station building suffered severe damage in the explosion, and rescue operations were initially hampered by multiple small blasts that followed the initial explosion. The bomb disposal squad faced challenges in immediately reaching the affected area.
Prashant Lokhande, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, provided additional context, revealing that the explosives were recovered from the rented residence of arrested accused Dr Muzammil Ganaie in Faridabad during investigations related to FIR number 162/2025 of PS Nowgam.
Authorities continue to investigate the precise circumstances that led to the accidental detonation during what was supposed to be a carefully controlled forensic examination procedure.
