Key Takeaways
- Nine killed, 27 injured in accidental explosion at Nowgam police station
- Blast occurred while handling explosives seized from ‘white-collar’ terror module
- 360 kg of chemicals recovered from arrested doctor’s residence
- Investigation reveals network of radicalized medical professionals
A devastating accidental explosion at Nowgam police station in Srinagar has claimed nine lives and left 27 others injured. The blast occurred late Friday night while authorities were handling explosives seized in connection with a major ‘white-collar’ terror module investigation.
Explosion During Evidence Collection
The explosion ripped through the police station as forensic teams were extracting samples from a massive cache of explosives. Officials confirmed the material was part of 360 kilograms of chemicals recovered from the rented residence of arrested doctor Muzammil Ganaie.
Most victims were police personnel and forensic officials handling the evidence. The blast damaged the police station building and triggered smaller successive explosions that hampered immediate rescue efforts by bomb disposal squads.
Victims and Aftermath
Among the casualties, 24 police personnel and three civilians were admitted to various hospitals in Srinagar. Six bodies have been retrieved from the scene, though identities remain unconfirmed. All deceased have been moved to Police Control Room Srinagar.
Terror Module Investigation
The investigation began in mid-October after threatening posters appeared on walls in Bunpora, Nowgam. Srinagar police registered a case on October 19 and formed a dedicated investigation team.
CCTV analysis identified three initial suspects: Arif Nisar Dar (alias Sahil), Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar (alias Shahid), all with previous stone-pelting cases. Their interrogation led to the arrest of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic turned preacher from Shopian, who allegedly supplied posters and radicalized doctors.
Faridabad Connection
The investigation trail led to Al Falah University in Faridabad, where police arrested Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed. Authorities seized a massive cache of chemicals including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur from this location.
Investigators believe the terror module was run by a core trio of doctors: Muzammil Ganaie (arrested), Umar Nabi (driver of an explosives-laden car that exploded near Red Fort on November 10), and Muzzaffar Rather (absconding). The role of Dr Adeel Rather, from whom an AK-56 rifle was seized, remains under investigation.
