Srinagar, Nov 15: An accidental explosion at Nowgam police station in Srinagar late Friday night has claimed the lives of nine people and injured 29 others, mostly police personnel and forensic officials, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The blast occurred while authorities were extracting samples from a large cache of explosives seized in the ‘white-collar’ terror module case. The explosives were part of 360 kilograms of materials recovered from the rented residence of arrested doctor Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie in Faridabad, Haryana.
Details of the incident:
Casualties: Nine bodies have been retrieved; 24 police personnel and 3 civilians are receiving treatment at various Srinagar hospitals.
Explosion circumstances: The blast took place during handling of explosives at the police station. Successive minor detonations hindered immediate rescue operations, and the building sustained significant damage.
Investigation background: The explosives were initially seized from Al Falah University in Faridabad. The Srinagar police registered a case in mid October after posters threatening security forces appeared in Bunpora, Nowgam.
Investigation leads:
Analysis of CCTV footage helped identify initial suspects, Arif Nisar Dar (alias Sahil), Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar (alias Shahid), who were involved in past stone-pelting cases and distributing threatening posters.
Interrogation led to Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic turned Imam from Shopian, who is believed to have radicalized the doctors.
The trail eventually led to Al Falah University, Faridabad, resulting in the arrest of Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed, and the seizure of explosives including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulfur.
Core suspects in the module:
Dr Muzammil Ganaie – arrested
Umar Nabi – driver of the car involved in the Red Fort blast on November 10
Dr Muzzaffar Rather – absconding
Dr Adeel Rather – arrested; AK-56 rifle seized, investigation ongoing
The police confirmed that the explosion was accidental and occurred during routine forensic procedures. The incident highlights the extreme risks involved in handling confiscated explosives, and authorities have intensified safety protocols in ongoing investigations.