9 dead in ‘accidental’ blast in Nowgam Police Station

SIA Officer, Naib Tehsildar, Tailor among dead, 32 injured; Blast caused after explosives seized from terror module go off; LG orders probe, Says govt stands with those affected

Srinagar, Nov 15: Nine persons were killed, including a Naib Tehsildar, State Investigating Agency Officer, and a tailor, while 32 others were injured after a high-intensity blast ripped through Nowgam police station in Srinagar late last night, officials said.

An official told news agency that the blast occurred when a stockpile of explosives, confiscated from an alleged doctors’ terror module busted by Jammu and Kashmir in Haryana’s Faridabad last week, accidentally went off inside the police station late last night.

The blast created panic among the local residents with its intensity such that houses – as far as 300-500 meters away – suffered extensive damage.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Nalin

Prabhat said that during investigation of a case, a huge cache of explosives, chemicals and reagents were recovered from Faridabad on November 9 and 10.

He said that the recovery was transported to Kashmir and kept securely in an open area of the Nowgam police station. “As part of the prescribed procedure, samples of the recovery had to be forwarded for further forensic and chemical examination. On account of the voluminous nature of the recovery, this procedure was going on since yesterday,” he said.

He further said that due to the unstable and sensitive nature of the recovery, it was being handled with utmost caution. “However, unfortunately at 11:20 pm accidental explosion took place,”

The DGP also ruled out any terror angle into the incident, stating that any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary. “In the incident 9 people were killed, including a State Investigating Agency officer, 3 FSL members, 2 photographers, 2 revenue officials and a tailor. In addition, 27 cops, 2 revenue officials and 3 civilians were injured. The injured were immediately evacuated to the hospital,” he added.

The deceased have been identities as Ajaz Ahmad (SGCT) son of Mohammad Afzal Mir of Srinagar’s HMT, Arshid Ahmad Shah (Photographer) son of Nazir Ahmad Shah of Kulgam, Mohammad Amin (Head Constable) son of Mohd Maqbool Mir of Bemina, Javid Mansoor Rather (Photographer) son of Mansoor Ahmad Rather of Tral, Suhail Ahmad Rather (Chowkidar) son of Mohd Shafi Rather of Natipora, Muzaffar Ahmad Khan (Naib Tehsildar) son of Mohd Ramzan Khan of Soibugh, Showkat Ahmad (Lab Assistant) son of Gh Nabi Sheikh of Qamarwari, Srinagar, Mohd Shafi Parray (Tailor) son of Mohd Sideeq Parray of Wanabal, and Asrar Ahmad Shah (SIA Officer) of Habibullah Shah fo Drugmullah, Kupwara.

The injured have admitted to different hospitals, including Army’s 92 Base hospital in Srinagar, SMHS and a private hospital, based on the gravity of their injuries. Over 50 residential houses and nearby structures have also been damaged severely.

The DGP added also said that the building of the police station has been severely damaged, and adjacent buildings too have been affected, while the extent of damage is being ascertained.

The blast turned the police station into a rubble with charred remains of vehicles and other material scattered all around, showed several videos that have gone viral on social media since.

“The cause for the unfortunate incident is being inquired into. J&K police stands in solidarity with the families in this hour of grief,” the DGP said.

Meanwhile, Joint Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Division in the Ministry of Home Affairs also briefed the media about the incident, sharing the same details.

The intensity of the blast was such that bodies were scattered all over with some found around 200-300 meters away from the police station and were recovered from the nearby residential houses.

LG, CM, Rahul, LoP Sharma, leaders grieved

Sinha lays wreath to slain, visits injured

Srinagar, Nov 15: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, LoP Sunil Sharma and other political leaders on Saturday expressed grief over the loss of lives in an accidental explosion at Nowgam Police Station.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed his anguish over the loss of precious lives in the tragic accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar.

In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor has said: “Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to extremely tragic accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured. The government stands in solidarity with the families, friends, and loved ones of the departed. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. I have ordered a probe to ascertain the cause of the accidental explosion”.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor met the injured in the accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station who are undergoing treatment at Ujala Cygnus and SMHS Hospital in Srinagar.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the Doctors and Hospitals Administration to ensure the best possible treatment for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor laid a wreath and offered his tributes to the Police Personnel, Revenue Officials and a Civilian who lost their lives in an accidental blast last night.

As per the news agency, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic accidental explosion.

The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, including those of the police officers, forensic science lab personnel, revenue department officials, and other associated team members who lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident.

Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar also expressed profound grief over the tragic accident.

Dar also visited Ujala Cygnus Hospital, Srinagar to enquire about the condition of the injured. During the visit, the Minister interacted with the attending doctors to obtain firsthand information regarding the medical treatment being provided to the injured. The Minister expressed deep concern over the incident and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring the best possible medical care for the injured. MLA, Channpora, Mushtaq Guroo accompanied the Minister during the visit.

Moreover, on the directions of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo visited Chansar Kulgam to express solidarity with the family members of Arshid Ahmad Shah, killed in Nowgam accidental blast.

Extending heartfelt condolences, Minister Sakeena expressed profound grief over the loss and assured the bereaved family of full support from the Government during this difficult time.

She said that on the directions of the Chief Minister, and as a mark of solidarity and immediate succour, the Government has announced ex-gratia relief from the CM’s Relief Fund: ₹10 lakh for each deceased and ₹1 lakh for the severely injured.

During the visit, the Minister interacted closely with the family, offering words of comfort and called the incident deeply unfortunate and shocking.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi in a post on X, said that the explosion is extremely painful and worrying.

He said that it is reported that this severe accident took place during the examination of explosives linked to the Red Fort attack. Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma in a post on X, said, “Deeply saddened by the explosion at Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.”

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief, Mehbooba Mufti wrote, “Deeply anguished by the tragic accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station that claimed 9 precious lives and left many injured. This heartbreaking incident lays bare the risks and difficult conditions under which our police personnel serve to keep the rest of us safe. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and prayers for strength and swift recovery for the injured.”

MLA Kulgam, M Y Tarigami, wrote, “Deeply pained by the loss of precious lives in the Nowgam accidental blast. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish for the swift recovery of the injured. Unnecessary risks could have been avoided had the chemical examination and sampling been done at Faridabad.”

Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, wrote, “The accidental blast at the Naugam police station is heartbreaking. Heartfelt condolences to families of those who lost their lives. In this distressing moment may they muster the courage to bear this loss.”

Apni Party President, Syed Altaf Bukhari, said, “Shocked and deeply grieved to hear that at least nine people—mostly policemen and a Naib Tehsildar—have died and 29 others have been injured in an accidental blast inside the Nowgam police station. Such a loss of life is truly devastating. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.”