Nowgam Police Station Blast: LG Confirms Accident During Sample Collection, Not Terrorist Attack

The area surrounding Nowgam Police Station has been sealed off by Forensic Science Laboratory teams.

Srinagar:

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha clarified on Sunday that the Nowgam Police Station blast was not terrorist-related, but rather an accidental occurrence during sample collection procedures.

He confirmed that an investigation has been initiated to determine the precise sequence of events.

In his statement to journalists, LG Sinha emphasized, "The Nowgam incident has no terrorist connection. This accident happened during the sample collection process. I have ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the incident."

Currently, the vicinity of Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar remains cordoned off as Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) teams and security personnel conduct their investigation following the explosion that resulted in nine fatalities and 32 injuries, according to officials on Sunday.

Security forces alongside forensic specialists are examining the site thoroughly to gather crucial evidence.

The accidental explosion occurred late Friday night within Nowgam Police Station, causing extensive damage to neighboring structures. All injured individuals were transported to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital (SMHS) in Srinagar for medical treatment.

On Saturday, Nalin Prabhat, the Director General of Police (DGP) for Jammu and Kashmir, discouraged speculation about the incident, explaining that initial findings indicated an accidental explosion during standard forensic procedures.

The DGP detailed that the nine deceased included one State Investigation Agency (SIA) officer, three FSL staff members, two crime-scene photographers, two revenue officials assisting the Magistrate's team, and a tailor involved in the operation.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pledged on Saturday that the government would provide comprehensive support to families of those who perished in the Nowgam Police Station explosion.

CM Abdullah instructed J-K Education and Health Minister Sakina Itoo to ensure optimal care for the injured and confirmed that compensation would be provided for damaged structures, according to an official statement from the Chief Minister's office.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah advocated on Saturday for a comprehensive and independent investigation into the Nowgam police station explosion, suggesting that "mistakes" in the initial handling of explosives may have contributed to the tragedy that claimed nine lives and damaged multiple residential buildings.