Post by : Rameen Ariff

A routine forensic examination turned into a tragic calamity in Srinagar on Friday night when a stockpile of confiscated explosives unexpectedly detonated inside the Nowgam police station. This catastrophic explosion claimed the lives of nine individuals and left 29 others injured, leading to panic as residents fled their homes.

The blast occurred during an inspection by forensic experts and police investigating recently confiscated explosive materials. The majority of the victims included police personnel and forensic specialists present in the station at that time. Tragically, two officials from the Srinagar administration also perished in the incident, with fears that the fatalities may increase due to critical injuries among several victims.

The explosion's force was so immense that it left the building severely damaged, with debris scattered hundreds of meters away. Some bodies were rendered unrecognizable, and officials found body parts as far as 200 meters from the site. Residents described the overwhelming noise followed by tremors that shattered windows and rattled walls.

Authorities have clarified that this incident was not a terror attack. The police confirmed the explosion resulted from a mishap during a forensic examination of seized explosives at the station. A senior journalist, relying on police sources, described the event as a “deeply unfortunate incident” linked to internal procedures rather than insurgent activities.

This incident arrives amid heightened security across India following a deadly car bombing in New Delhi earlier this week, which resulted in 12 fatalities near the Red Fort and was classified as a terror incident. Subsequently, authorities in Kashmir initiated a massive operation, apprehending over 650 individuals affiliated with extremist groups. Investigators revealed that many of those detained were tied to Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, factions notorious for terror acts in the region.

The Nowgam police station had recently been involved in various investigations, including one concerning threatening placards linked to JeM. This investigation uncovered what officials termed a “white-collar terror network,” entailing radicalized professionals and students connected to international handlers. Authorities also intercepted nearly 3,000 kg of explosive materials during the process, escalating fears of an impending attack.

The explosion has once again cast a spotlight on the precarious security landscape in Kashmir, a region historically beset with disputes between India and Pakistan. Despite continuous crackdowns, the area has persisted in experiencing incidents of explosives and militant operations.

Officials have cordoned off the police station and initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of the explosion, scrutinizing whether safety protocols were strictly adhered to while handling the seized materials. More updates are anticipated as the investigation unfolds, with authorities striving to prevent recurrence of such tragedies.

#Global