Srinagar, November 15, 2025 – A pall of gloom has descended upon the Nowgam area of Srinagar following a devastating accidental explosion at the local police station. The blast, which occurred late Friday night, claimed the lives of nine people and left 27 others injured. Among the deceased was Mohammad Shafi Parray, a 57-year-old tailor, whose last words to his daughter were, "Papa, don't go".
The explosion took place while a team of police officers and forensic experts were examining a large cache of explosives seized during a recent investigation into a terror module with links to the Red Fort blast in Delhi on November 10. According to J&K Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, the blast was accidental, triggered by the unstable nature of the chemicals being handled. He has urged against any speculation regarding the cause of the incident.
The impact of the explosion was immense, severely damaging the police station building and affecting adjacent structures. Eyewitnesses reported that the sound of the blast was heard kilometers away, shattering windows and causing widespread panic. Rescue operations were initially hampered by smaller, successive explosions.
Among the deceased, besides the tailor Mohammad Shafi Parray, were one personnel from the State Investigation Agency (SIA), three personnel from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team, two crime scene photographers, and two revenue officials who were part of the magistrate's team. The injured included 24 police personnel, two revenue officials, and three civilians from the surrounding area, all of whom are receiving treatment at various hospitals in Srinagar.
The sole civilian casualty, Mohammad Shafi Parray, was a father of three. His wife, Rafiqa Bano, and the local community are demanding answers and seeking adequate compensation from the government. "He was a petty needleworker," Bano lamented, highlighting the disparity between her husband's modest livelihood and the salaries of the police personnel. "Was he their servant?" she asked, expressing her grief and frustration.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha visited the injured at Ujala Cygnus Hospital in Nowgam and assured them of all possible assistance. He also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has promised compensation for damages caused to nearby structures. A probe has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the accidental explosion.
The incident has raised serious questions about the protocols for handling and storing explosive materials, especially in civilian areas. Authorities have initiated a comprehensive review of safety procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The blast has cast a shadow over the recent successes in counter-terrorism efforts, turning what was a major victory – the busting of a terror module – into a heartbreaking tragedy.
As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of life and grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident. The focus remains on providing support to the bereaved families and ensuring that those responsible for any negligence are held accountable.
