A massive accidental explosion at the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar late Friday night has resulted in the deaths of nine people and injuries to 29 others. The blast occurred while police and forensic experts were examining explosive material that had been seized from Faridabad, Haryana. The casualties, primarily consisting of policemen and forensic officials, may increase as five of the injured remain in critical condition.
The explosives, approximately 360 kg of chemicals including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur, were recovered from the rented residence of Dr. Muzammil Ganaie in Faridabad. These chemicals were part of a larger cache of nearly 3,000 kg of explosives and bomb-making equipment. The seized materials were transported to the Nowgam police station for examination as part of an investigation into a "white-collar terror module" with links to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).
According to officials, the explosion occurred around midnight on Friday, shaking the Nowgam neighborhood and causing significant damage to the police station. The blast was followed by a series of smaller explosions, which hampered rescue efforts. Among the deceased were mostly policemen and forensic officials, along with Naib Tehsildar Muzaffar Ahmad from Soibugh (Budgam district) and two other Srinagar administration officials. The identities of all victims are still being confirmed. The 29 injured, mainly security personnel, have been admitted to the Army's 92 Base Hospital and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).
The investigation into the terror module began after JeM posters threatening attacks on security forces and "outsiders" appeared in Bunpora, Nowgam, in mid-October. CCTV footage led to the arrest of Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather on October 27. Further interrogation revealed links to Dr. Muzammil Shakeel (also known as Muzammil Ganaie) at Al-Falah Medical College, Faridabad, leading to his arrest and the subsequent seizure of a large quantity of explosive materials. Investigators believe the core of the module consisted of three doctors: Dr Muzammil Ganaie, Dr Umar Nabi, and Dr Muzzaffar Rather.
The incident has prompted a major internal review of explosive handling protocols. Senior officers, including J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat and IGP Kashmir Vidhi Kumar Birdi, visited the site to assess the damage and review the circumstances.
This explosion follows a car bombing near Delhi's Red Fort four days prior, which killed 13 people and injured over 20. Authorities identified Dr. Umar Nabi as the driver of the vehicle used in that blast. DNA evidence confirmed his identity. Security forces demolished Dr. Nabi’s house in Pulwama. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating both incidents and believes the explosives seizure in Faridabad may have prompted the terror network to relocate.
