A routine forensic exercise turned catastrophic in Srinagar’s Nowgam area after seized explosives from Delhi detonated inside a police station, killing 13 and injuring dozens.
By Ajaz Rashid
A routine forensic exercise at the Nowgam police station on the outskirts of Srinagar turned into a night of horror on November 14, when a cache of seized explosives—recovered from a recent counter-terror operation in Delhi—detonated inside the station, killing 13 people and injuring dozens more. The blast, which ripped through the police compound, ignited vehicles, and sent shockwaves across the neighbourhood, has left a community in mourning and raised urgent questions about the handling of dangerous materials in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Night of Chaos and Loss
The explosion occurred late at night, just after 11:20 pm, as forensic and police personnel were conducting sampling of the seized explosives. The force of the blast was so intense that it shredded the station’s walls, set vehicles ablaze, and triggered secondary explosions that continued for hours. Residents in the area described scenes of panic as they fled their homes, with the night sky lit by flames and the sound of sirens echoing through the streets.
Emergency services struggled to reach the site due to ongoing small explosions and fires, delaying rescue efforts. Local hospitals were quickly overwhelmed with the influx of the injured, many of whom suffered severe burns and blast injuries. Official figures put the number of injured at between 27 and 32, though the true toll may not be fully known for some time.
Among the dead were several police and forensic personnel who were directly involved in handling the material, as well as administrative staff and one civilian. The names of the fallen include Inspector Asrar Ahmad Shah of the State Investigation Agency, Lab Assistant Showkat Ahmad, Constable Javaid Mansoor Rather, and civilian tailor Mohammad Shafi Parray, among others. Their sacrifice underscores the risks faced by those on the front lines of India’s counter-terror operations.
The Nation’s Response
The Jammu & Kashmir police and the Union home ministry have described the incident as a tragic accident, emphasizing that the material had been seized during recent counter-terror raids in the National Capital Region. The explosives were being transported to Srinagar for forensic sampling and analysis, a standard procedure in cases involving large quantities of seized material. Authorities have stressed that the material was kept in an open area of the station and that sampling was underway due to the volume of the haul.
Jammu & Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat addressed the media the following morning, stating, “At around 11:20 pm, while samples of the recovery material were being forwarded for further forensic and chemical examination, an accidental explosion took place. Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary.” He reiterated that the incident was not the result of any deliberate act, but rather a catastrophic error in handling highly volatile substances.
Compensation and Condolences
In the wake of the tragedy, the Jammu & Kashmir government announced compensation for the families of the victims. The next of kin of those killed will receive an ex-gratia payment of ₹10 lakh, while the injured will receive ₹1 lakh each, to be disbursed from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. While financial support is a gesture of solidarity, for the families of the fallen, it offers little comfort in the face of such a devastating loss.
The Bigger Picture
The seized explosives were linked to raids and seizures carried out during counter-terror operations in the National Capital Region, following a deadly car blast in New Delhi earlier in the month. The recovered material included a large quantity of explosive chemicals and components, which were transferred to Srinagar for initial forensic handling before being sent to state or national laboratories. This is standard operating procedure for material that requires immediate sampling and documentation.
A Nation’s Resolve
The tragedy at Nowgam police station is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who work to protect the nation from the scourge of terrorism. The fallen officers and staff gave their lives in the line of duty, and their sacrifice must not be in vain. As the investigation continues, it is imperative that lessons are learned and that the protocols for handling seized explosives are strengthened to prevent future accidents.
India’s fight against terrorism is a complex and perilous one, but it is a fight that must continue with unwavering resolve. The bravery and dedication of our police and forensic personnel are a testament to the nation’s commitment to security and justice. Their work, though often unseen, is vital to the safety and stability of the country.
As the community mourns the loss of its heroes, the nation must come together to support the families of the victims and to ensure that the sacrifices made are honored. The incident at Nowgam police station is a call to action—a reminder that the fight against terrorism requires not only courage and determination but also vigilance and care in every step of the process.
The road ahead will be challenging, but with unity and resolve, India will continue to stand strong against the forces of terror. The memory of those who lost their lives in the line of duty will serve as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the price of freedom.
Official Statements
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat (J&K Police)
“At around 11:20 pm, while samples of the recovery material were being forwarded for further forensic and chemical examination, an accidental explosion took place at Nowgam Police Station. Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary. The recovered material had been kept in an open area of the station and sampling was in progress. There is no evidence of militant involvement in this accident, and it has been confirmed as an accidental detonation triggered during the handling of unstable material.”
Jammu & Kashmir Police Official Statement
“The material involved was part of a voluminous seizure from a counter-terror operation in Faridabad, Haryana, in the days preceding the incident. Standard protocol was followed in transporting and sampling the material at Nowgam Police Station. The operation aimed at dismantling a major terror module, and this tragedy reflects the risks our personnel face daily in the national fight against terrorism.”
Union Home Ministry (Government of India)
“The Union Home Ministry expresses deep anguish at the loss of lives in the accidental blast at the Nowgam Police Station, Srinagar. Central agencies are supporting local authorities in the investigation. Preliminary evidence supports the conclusion that the incident was accidental and occurred during routine forensic procedures of material seized in ongoing counter-terror investigations. A high-level inquiry has been ordered to ensure protocols for the safe handling and storage of seized explosives were followed, and to recommend improvements for future operations.”
Official Compensation Announcement
“The government shall provide an ex-gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to the next of kin of those killed and ₹1 lakh to the injured, from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, in support of the families who lost loved ones in this tragic accident.”
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