Nowgam Police Station Blast: J&K L-G Manoj Sinha Orders Probe; DGP Dismisses Speculation, Explains Accidental Explosion

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha ordered a probe on Saturday morning after nine people were killed and 32 others were injured following a deadly explosion at the Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar.  He stated that the probe will ascertain the cause of the blast. Meanwhile, authorities have stated that the blast was not a terror attack and was caused accidentally during a forensic sampling process.

Condoling the loss of lives in the blast, the L-G said, “Deeply anguished by the loss of precious lives due to extremely tragic accidental blast at Nowgam police station in Srinagar. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for speedy recovery of the injured.”

The L-G, along with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are also expected to visit the blast site today.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat addressed a press conference, stressing that any speculation into the incident is “unnecessary”. The DGP informed that among those who died in the attack were one officer from the State Investigation Agency (SIA), three Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) personnel, two crime-scene photographers, two revenue officials who were assisting the Magistrate's team, and a tailor associated with the operation.

He further revealed that 27 police personnel, two revenue officials and three civilians from the adjacent areas were injured and were immediately sent to the nearest hospital.

The DGP said the blast occurred during an ongoing investigation linked to a major seizure of explosive materials, chemicals, and reagents recovered from Faridabad. The explosives were recovered in connection with a terror module linked to the recent Delhi blast near the Red Fort.

“This recovery, like the rest of the recoveries which we have done, was transported and kept securely in the open area of the Police Station Nowgam. As part of the prescribed procedure, the samples of the recovery had to be forwarded for further forensic and chemical examination. On account of the voluminous nature of the recovery, this process was going on for the past two days…by the FSL team. However, unfortunately, during this course, last night around 11.20 PM, an accidental explosion took place," DGP Prabhat said.

"Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary," he added. He also expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased.

Also Read- Cops And Forensic Experts Among 9 Killed in Nowgam Police Station Blast