A powerful explosion tore through the Nowgam Police Station on the outskirts of Srinagar late on Friday night, leaving at least nine people dead and injuring more than two dozen others. The blast, which occurred inside the station premises, has been described by officials as an accidental detonation involving explosive material under examination.
According to preliminary information, a team at the police station had been handling seized explosives linked to an alleged “white-collar” terror module linked to last Monday’s terror attack at Red Fort in New Delhi. Ahead of the Delhi blast, huge cache of arms, ammunition and bomb making materials were seized by police from the house of the arrested accused Dr Muzammil. Part of the material had reportedly been brought to Nougam police station from Faridabad, where a major seizure was made earlier this week. Since the first FIR was registered there on October 19 following the recovery of JeM poster - the same FIR initiated the investigation that led to seizures and arrests from Faridabad. During routine examination and segregation of samples, an unexpected ignition triggered a massive chain reaction, claimed police. “This unfortunate incident was an accidental explosion. No other speculation at this stage is required. 9 people have lost their lives including 2 revenue officials, 2 CFSL officials amongst others. 33 people have been injured. The police station building is badly damaged”, said Nalin Prabhat, DGP Jammu & Kashmir Police.
CCTV footage from the facility captured the exact moment the explosives detonated - a sudden flash followed by a violent shockwave that ripped through the structure. The impact was so severe that parts of the building collapsed, vehicles parked nearby were damaged, and fire broke out in adjoining sections of the compound.
Emergency teams rushed the injured personnel to multiple hospitals across Srinagar. Many of them are policemen, technical staff, and forensic examiners who were present in the building at the time of the incident. Several of the injured are said to be in critical condition.
Investigators are now examining whether safety protocols were followed, and what exactly caused the initial ignition. The blast has raised serious concerns about procedural compliance in handling dangerous materials inside active police facilities. A high-level inquiry has been ordered, and more details are expected as rescue operations and structural assessments continue at the site.
