A massive blast devastated the Nowgam police station on the outskirts of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, late Friday night, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens more. The explosion occurred while forensic teams and police officers were sampling explosives that had been seized from Faridabad, raising serious questions about how they were stored and handled.
What Happened in Nowgam?
According to officials, the blast is not believed to be an act of terror; it appears to be accidental, resulting from the sampling of a large quantity of explosives. The forensic science lab (FSL) team had been sampling ammonium nitrate as part of the materials seized when it exploded. CCTV footage reportedly captures the shockwave caused by the blast — a shockwave that was strong enough to damage buildings in the vicinity.
The Faridabad Connection, Storyline
Investigation teams believe that the explosives originated from a “white-collar” terror module in Faridabad, Haryana. Previously, authorities had recovered confiscated 360 kg of chemical substances—including ammonium nitrate—from a rental unit associated with the terror group. After conservation, some of the explosives were flown to Nowgam for forensic analysis, but while assessing the explosives the disaster occurred.
According to reports, the terror module included professionals, mainly doctors, and potentially extended to a larger network. Specifically, one accused, Dr. Muzammil Ganaie, resided in Farnidabad.
Victims, Responses, and Aftermath, What is the Analysis?
The deaths from the blast have left nine individuals dead with a majority of the victims being police personnel and forensic experts. An additional 27-30 individuals were injured and subsequently transported to hospitals.
Rescue operations were hindered by the smaller consequent explosions which delayed emergency first response treatments.
Fire tenders were summoned to the location with the blast location being secured. Authorities have instituted a high-level probe regarding how explosives were stored and handled.
This Raises Red Flags, Subject of Suspension
Protocol Concerns: The fact that an extraordinary quantity of explosive material was involved and the fact that it was being examined in a police station raises questions about safety protocols.
Terror Module Risk: The Faridabad connection suggests a network that might span different states and involves highly capable professionals, i.e., not only “street-level” militants.
Broader Conspiracy: This is not a stand-alone incident. Investigators are examining connections between this module and other violent occurrences, even a recent blast in Delhi.
