Massive Explosion at Nowgam Police Station Caused by Accidental Blast During Handling of Seized Explosives: MHA

Srinagar, Nov 14, KNT: Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, J&K Division, Prashant Lokhande on Saturday said the explosion that ripped through Nowgam Police Station late Friday night was accidental and occurred during the handling of a large quantity of explosive material recovered in connection with an ongoing terror module investigation.

Lokhande said the blast took place at around 11.20 PM on November 14 while teams were processing evidence seized during the probe of FIR 162 of 2025. The case had led to the recovery of a huge cache of explosive substances and chemicals, which had been kept in a secured open area inside the police station premises as per procedure.

He said agencies working on the investigation had been conducting coordinated and scientific examination of the material for the past two days. The seized explosives, owing to their unstable and sensitive nature, were being handled with extreme caution under expert supervision. “However, during the process, an accidental explosion took place at about 11.20 PM yesterday night,” Lokhande said.

Nine people lost their lives in the incident, while twenty-seven police personnel, two revenue officials and three civilians sustained injuries. All the injured were immediately shifted for medical treatment. The police station building suffered extensive damage due to the intensity of the blast.

Lokhande said the cause of the accident is being investigated, but urged against speculation, stating that unnecessary theories could hinder the process. “The government stands in solidarity with the families of the deceased,” he added. [KNT]