Six Dead, 27 Injured in Explosive Blast at Nowgam Police Station

An accidental explosion at Nowgam Police Station on the outskirts of Srinagar has resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to 27 others. The incident occurred late on the night of November 15, 2023, while authorities were extracting samples from a large cache of explosives seized in connection with an ongoing investigation into a terror module, officials confirmed.

The blast took place as personnel were handling approximately 360 kilograms of explosives, which had been confiscated from a residence in Faridabad, Haryana. This material was linked to the case involving Dr. Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, who has been arrested in connection with the investigation. The police station had been designated as the storage site for the explosives, which included dangerous chemicals such as ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur.

Authorities reported that the explosion claimed the lives of six people, primarily police and forensic personnel. The deceased have yet to be identified, and their bodies have been transported to the Police Control Room in Srinagar. Among the injured, at least 24 police officers and three civilians were admitted to various hospitals in the city for treatment.

The explosion caused significant damage to the police station building and shattered the calm of the night. Rescue operations faced immediate challenges due to successive smaller explosions that hindered the efforts of the bomb disposal squad, delaying emergency assistance.

Investigators have been working diligently on the case since mid-October, when posters threatening police and security forces were discovered in the Bunpora area of Nowgam. Following the emergence of these threats, Srinagar police registered a case on October 19 and formed a dedicated team to address the situation.

Utilizing meticulous analysis of CCTV footage, police identified three initial suspects: Arif Nisar Dar, also known as Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar, all of whom had prior records related to stone pelting. Their interrogations led to the arrest of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic turned Imam from Shopian, who is believed to have facilitated the radicalization of medical professionals within the community.

The investigation ultimately pointed to Al Falah University in Faridabad, where authorities arrested Dr. Ganaie and another doctor, Dr. Shaheen Sayeed. The significant cache of explosives was seized during this operation. The investigation indicates that this terror module was primarily orchestrated by a group of doctors, including Dr. Ganaie, Umar Nabi, who was driving a car laden with explosives during a recent incident near the Red Fort, and Muzzaffar Rather, who remains at large.

The role of another individual, Dr. Adeel Rather, the brother of the absconding Muzzaffar Rather, is still under investigation, particularly after an AK-56 rifle was recovered from his possession.

This tragic incident highlights the serious implications of the ongoing investigation into organized criminal activities and the potential threats posed by radicalized individuals within society. As authorities continue to unravel the details surrounding this case, the focus remains on ensuring public safety and addressing the root causes of such violent acts.