Srinagar, J&K – A blast occurred at the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar on Friday night during an examination of explosive materials. The incident took place while a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team, accompanied by police personnel and a local Tehsildar, were inspecting a significant quantity of seized ammonium nitrate. This ammonium nitrate had been confiscated earlier in connection with a high-profile inter-state terror network case, potentially linked to the recent Red Fort car blast in Delhi.
Initial reports indicate that the explosion was accidental, occurring during the sampling and inspection process. Authorities have stated that the incident was not a terror attack but rather an unintended detonation while handling sensitive material.
The blast caused extensive damage within the police station. Visuals from the site show significant structural damage to the building. Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene following the explosion. Injured personnel were immediately transported to a hospital for treatment. While the exact number of casualties is still being determined, multiple injuries are feared.
The Nowgam Police Station is the same facility that recently registered a case related to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) posters that appeared in Srinagar. That investigation led to the busting of a major inter-state terror module with links stretching into Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The investigation into the JeM network began after the discovery of these posters on October 19th in Srinagar and Nowgam. The discovery led to the arrest of Moulvi Irfan Ahmad and Zamir Ahmad.
Notably, the authorities demolished the residence of Dr. Umar Nabi, the main accused in the Red Fort terror car bombing, in Pulwama district on Thursday night. Investigators believe Dr. Nabi may have triggered the Red Fort blast intentionally or accidentally, possibly out of panic following the crackdown on the terror module. The Red Fort blast resulted in at least 10 casualties. CCTV footage confirmed that Dr. Umar Nabi was driving the vehicle used in the Red Fort bombing.
The area around the Nowgam Police Station has been secured as investigations continue. Authorities are conducting a thorough examination to determine the exact cause of the accidental explosion and assess the full extent of the damage.
