9 Killed, Over 25 Injured in Nowgam Police Station Explosion in Srinagar
At least nine people were killed and more than 25 injured after a massive explosion ripped through the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar late Friday night. Officials said the blast occurred while authorities were handling explosives seized from the Faridabad terror module case.
Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage showed flames and thick smoke engulfing the building. Several of the injured remain in critical condition, and some are still missing. Debris and body parts were found as far as 300 feet from the site, underlining the scale of the explosion.
Investigating the Cause
Police are exploring two main possibilities: accidental ignition of ammonium nitrate during handling or a deliberate terror attack. A 350 kg stockpile of explosives had been partly sent to the forensic lab, with the remainder stored at the station. Investigators are also examining whether a seized car inside the compound may have been rigged with an IED. A shadow outfit linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, PAFF, has claimed responsibility, though this is still being verified.
Security Measures and Response
The area was sealed off, and security forces conducted sweeps with sniffer dogs. Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo visited the injured at hospitals. J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat held a hybrid security review amid heightened alert following the Red Fort car blast in Delhi earlier this week, which killed at least 13 people. Authorities are assessing whether the two incidents are linked.
Terror Module and Arrests
The investigation began after threatening posters appeared in Nowgam in mid-October. CCTV analysis led to the arrest of local residents Arif Nisar Dar, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar. Their questioning revealed the involvement of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic-turned-preacher.
This trail led authorities to Al-Falah University in Faridabad, resulting in the arrest of doctors Muzammil Ganaie and Shaheen Sayeed. Large quantities of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sulphur, and other chemicals were recovered, including 2,900 kg tied to a suspect from Pulwama. Dr Umar Nabi, the driver in the Red Fort blast, and absconding suspect Muzzaffar Rather are also linked to the module. Adeel Rather, brother of Muzzaffar, was arrested with an AK-56 rifle.
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