A tragic explosion at the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, late Friday night has left nine people dead and caused extensive damage to the police station and nearby buildings. Authorities have confirmed that the incident was an accidental explosion, urging the public not to speculate as the investigation continues.
J&K Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, who visited the site on Saturday morning, said that forensic teams were carefully examining explosive material recovered earlier from Faridabad, Haryana, when the blast occurred at around 11:20 pm.
According to officials, the explosives—part of a major seizure linked to a Faridabad-based “white-collar” terror module—had been kept in an open secure area inside the police station. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) had been collecting samples for two days due to the unstable nature of the material when the accidental detonation took place.
Residents living near the police station described being shaken by the loud blast, which damaged several homes in the vicinity. Security personnel have restricted movement in the area as search and rescue efforts continue.
Local authorities, including the Srinagar Deputy Commissioner, visited hospitals where injured individuals are receiving treatment. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has also reached the site to assist in clearing debris.
The blast occurred only days after an explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, an incident which was also linked to the Faridabad module. The National Investigation Agency is already probing the earlier case.
Police have confirmed that efforts are underway to identify victims of the Nowgam explosion while also continuing a systematic investigation to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
Officials reiterated that speculation or unverified claims should be avoided until the probe is complete.
