Nowgam Police Station Blast: Families, Colleagues, and Villages Mourn the Officers and Civilians Killed in the Tragedy

Srinagar, Nov 15, KNT: From Tral to Budgam to Kupwara, entire neighbourhoods plunged into mourning, remembering the officers and civilians whose lives ended in the accidental explosion late Friday night at Nowgam Police Station.

Javaid Ahmad Rather alias Mubashir, a cameraman with the Crime Branch, belonged to Hari Parigam in Tral. Known for his calm personality and sharp professional instinct, he was often the first to reach crime scenes with his camera. Villagers said he treated everyone with respect and was the “pride of the village.” His sudden death has shattered the large extended family he supported.

Muhammad Shafi Parray, a tailor who had been called for official assistance as part of the examination team, was widely known in his locality for his soft nature and craftsmanship. His death has left his family stunned, especially neighbours who said he had gone to work like any ordinary day and never returned.

Naib Tehsildar Muzaffar Ahmad Khan of Soibugh Budgam was among the most respected revenue officials in the district. Dedicated and soft-spoken, Khan was known to resolve land issues with fairness and patience. Thousands attended his funeral prayers, where mourners described him as “a rare officer who treated people like family.”

Inspector Israr Ahmad Shah of Drugmulla, Kupwara, posted with the State Investigation Agency, was regarded as a hardworking investigator. Colleagues said he had an exceptional eye for detail and always led from the front during difficult assignments. His death has left a void in the SIA unit and deep grief in his Kupwara village.

Suhail Ahmad Rather, a chowkidar, was valued for his reliability and gentle demeanour. He assisted teams regularly and was considered indispensable during field inspections. His family, struggling to accept the tragedy, remembered him as the person who kept the household running.

Crime Branch photographer Arshid Ahmad Shah was known as a skilled professional who documented investigations with meticulous precision. His relatives said he was the sole breadwinner of his family and had two small children. His death has devastated his home, where his parents and siblings remain in shock.

The Forensic Science Laboratory lost three of its dedicated personnel in the blast.
Selection Grade Constable Aijaz Afzal Mir, a diligent FSL officer, had earned respect for his tireless work during high-profile cases.
Constable Mohammad Amin Mir, another committed member of the team, was known for his discipline and positive nature.
Constable Showkat Ahmad Bhat, the youngest among the three, had built a reputation as a promising and hardworking official.

Their colleagues described the trio as “the backbone of the FSL field teams,” men who often worked long hours ensuring scientific accuracy in investigations.

Across the Valley, families of the deceased continue to receive visitors offering condolences as they struggle with the suddenness of the tragedy. For many of these families, the belongings of their loved ones recovered from the debris have now become the last memories of lives cut short. [KNT]