Daijiworld Media Network – Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 15: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday clarified that the powerful explosion which shook the Nowgam police station late Friday night was accidental, occurring during the handling of explosive samples linked to the recently busted Faridabad terror module.

According to J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat, the massive cache of explosive substances, chemicals, and reagents recovered during the Faridabad raids on November 9 and 10 had been shifted to the open yard of Nowgam police station for detailed inspection. Forensic teams had been examining the highly sensitive materials on November 13 and 14 when the incident unfolded.

Around 11.20 pm on Friday, an accidental blast took place during one such handling process. The DGP urged the public not to indulge in speculation, asserting, “Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary.”

The tragedy claimed nine lives, including one SIA personnel, three members of the FSL team, two crime-scene photographers, two revenue officials, and a tailor attached to the team. Twenty-seven police personnel, two revenue staff, and three civilians were injured and hospitalised.

The Nowgam police station building suffered extensive damage, with adjoining structures also impacted. Authorities are currently assessing the extent of the destruction.

The blast occurred while teams were examining samples from a major terror network spanning Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The Faridabad operation had yielded nearly 2,900 kg of explosive and inflammable materials, assault rifles, pistols, and components used to assemble IEDs.

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