Catastrophic Explosion Rocks Kashmir Police Station
A devastating explosion at a police station in Indian-administered Kashmir has claimed nine lives and left dozens injured, raising serious questions about explosive material handling protocols. The blast occurred late Friday night at the Nowgam police station in Srinagar while forensic experts and police officers were examining a massive cache of confiscated explosives.
Tragic Accident During Evidence Examination
The explosion happened around 11:20 PM local time when investigators were extracting samples from approximately 360 kilograms of ammonium nitrate and other bomb-making materials seized during a recent terror investigation. 'This was an unfortunate accident during routine forensic examination, not a terror attack,' stated Jammu and Kashmir police chief Nalin Prabhat in a press conference.
Among the victims were three forensic science laboratory team members, two crime scene photographers, one state investigation agency personnel, two revenue officials, and one civilian tailor associated with the investigation team. At least 28 people sustained injuries, with several in critical condition at local hospitals.
Massive Explosive Cache Linked to Terror Module
The explosives were part of a larger seizure connected to what authorities describe as a 'white-collar' terror network operating across multiple Indian states. The materials had been transported from Faridabad, Haryana, where they were recovered from a rented residence used by arrested doctor Muzammil Ganaie.
'The sheer quantity of ammonium nitrate recovered—nearly 2,900 kilograms in total—indicates the sophistication of this terror module,' explained a senior counter-terrorism official who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.
Geopolitical Context in Disputed Region
The incident occurred in Kashmir, a region claimed by both India and Pakistan and the site of ongoing tensions. The Kashmir conflict dates back to 1947 and has resulted in multiple wars between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Kashmir remains the only Muslim-majority region in predominantly Hindu India.
The explosion comes just days after a separate car bomb attack near Delhi's Red Fort that killed 13 people, which authorities have labeled a terror attack. Investigators have found links between the Delhi blast and the Faridabad raids that yielded the explosives involved in Friday's tragedy.
Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny
The incident has prompted urgent reviews of how law enforcement agencies handle and store dangerous materials. Ammonium nitrate safety guidelines typically require secure, temperature-controlled storage away from populated areas and potential ignition sources.
'This tragedy highlights critical gaps in our explosive material handling procedures,' admitted a senior police official involved in the internal inquiry. 'We must immediately implement stricter protocols for forensic examination of hazardous substances.'
The explosion was so powerful that body parts were found up to 200 meters from the police station, and the blast severely damaged the police station building and nearby residential structures, delaying rescue operations due to secondary explosions.
Ongoing Investigation and Aftermath
Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, focusing on whether proper safety protocols were followed during the evidence examination. The tragedy has reignited debates about security protocols in Kashmir, where law enforcement agencies frequently handle dangerous materials recovered from militant operations.
As rescue operations concluded and families began identifying victims, questions remain about whether this preventable tragedy will lead to meaningful changes in how India's security forces manage explosive evidence in high-risk environments.