9 killed, 32 injured in Nowgam Police Station blast

Srinagar, Nov 15: Nine persons, including a Naib Tehsildar and a Police Inspector, were killed while 32 others sustained injuries after a massive blast occurred inside the premises of the Police Station Nowgam late Friday night.

An official said that the blast occurred when the seized explosive – ammonium nitrate - stored inside the Police Station went off.

The explosive was seized after J&K Police and Faridabad Police busted an alleged doctors’ terror module.

The nine people who lost their lives include State Investigation Agency (SIA) Inspector Israr Ahmad Shah of Drugmulla, Kupwara, two revenue officials who were part of the magistrate’s team Naib Tehsildar Muzaffar Ahmad Khan of Soibugh and Chowkidar of the area Suhail Ahmad Rather, and a local tailor associated with the officials Muhammad Shafi Parray, two Crime Branch photographers Selection Grade Constables Javaid Mansoor Rather and Arshid Ahmad Shah, and three members of the FSL team Constables Muhammad Amin Mir and Showkat Ahmad Bhat, and Selection Grade Constable Aijaz Afzal Mir.

Following the incident, Director General of Police (DGP) Nilin Prabhat, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir Range, and IGP Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Srinagar, sector visited the spot to assess the situation.

Following this, DGP Prabhat, while addressing media persons, confirmed the death of nine persons and injuries to at least 32 persons in the Nowgam Police Station blast.

He said a large quantity of explosives seized in a recent case was being sampled for forensic examination.

"The blast occurred at around 11:20 pm on Friday during the ongoing sampling of explosive substances, chemicals, and reagents recovered earlier this month in a major seizure linked to FIR No 162/2025 of Police Station Nowgam,” the DGP said.

He said that the consignment, which was recovered on November 9 and 10, 2025, from Faridabad, had been transported and securely stored in the open area of the police station in accordance with the procedure.

“But given the voluminous nature of the recovery, the sampling process by the FSL team had been going on for the past two days,” DGP Prabhat said.

He said that the material was “highly unstable and sensitive,” following which the forensic team had been handling it with “extreme and utmost caution.”

“Despite these precautions, an accidental explosion occurred during the process,” the DGP said.

He ruled out any terror angle in the Nowgam incident.

“Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary,” DGP Prabhat said.

He said 27 Police personnel, two revenue officials, and three civilians from nearby residential areas sustained injuries.

“All the injured were immediately evacuated to the hospital and are undergoing treatment,” the DGP said.

The police station building and several adjacent structures were severely damaged following the massive blast.

“The extent of the damage is being ascertained. A formal inquiry has been initiated to establish the precise cause of the accident,” DGP Prabhat said.

He also expressed his deep grief and solidarity with the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Nowgam Police Station blast.

“Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to the extremely tragic accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Office of the J&K LG posted on X. “Government stands in solidarity with the families, friends, and loved ones of the departed. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. I’ve ordered a probe to ascertain the cause of the accidental explosion.”

LG Sinha later visited Ujala Cygnus and SMHS Hospital in Srinagar and met those injured during the “unfortunate accidental blast” at Nowgam Police Station.

“Praying for everyone’s speedy recovery,” LG posted on X.

LG Sinha also interacted with the bereaved families and expressed deep condolences.

“The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult hour,” he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic explosion.

“I extend heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and pray for the swift recovery of all those injured,” the Office of J&K CM posted on X.

CM Omar also assured that the government stands firmly with the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic Nowgam Police Station explosion and will provide every possible support to them.

He also directed the Health Minister Sakina Itoo to ensure the best healthcare services to the injured.

Later, Cabinet Minister Javed Ahmad Dar, on the directions of CM Omar, visited the injured at the hospital.

The minister enquired about the line of treatment and directed that the best possible care be provided and of full government support, reaffirming that “the entire administration stands in solidarity with the victims.”

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, along with Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Akshay Labroo, also visited SMHS Hospital and Ujala Hospital to enquire about the well-being of the persons injured in the accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station.

During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner was briefed about the condition of the injured, the treatment being provided to them, and the progress of their recovery.

He directed the concerned medical officers to ensure that all injured individuals receive quality treatment, timely medication, and the best possible medical facilities.

The Divisional Commissioner interacted with the injured persons, enquired about their well-being, and assured them that the administration would extend all necessary support to them.

The officers also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured. Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in the blast at Nowgan Police Station and extended condolences and sympathies with the grieving families.