Central Forensics Pulled in as Probe Deepens after the Deadly Blast at Srinagar Police Station

On the night of 14 November 2025, a devastating explosion ripped through the Nowgam Police Station on the outskirts of Srinagar in Jammu & Kashmir. The blast occurred at around 11:20 PM, when forensic experts, police officers, and other officials were examining a large stash of explosive materials seized as part of a terror module investigation.

Casualties, Damage, and Compensation

Officials confirm that at least nine people died, including forensic scientists, police personnel, revenue officials, and even a tailor who was helping package the samples. Around 27 to 32 others were injured, many critically. The force of the explosion was so powerful that small secondary blasts followed, slowing down rescue operations — debris and body parts were found hundreds of meters away from the site.

In response to the tragedy, the Jammu and Kashmir government announced compensation: ₹10 lakh to the families of those killed, and ₹1 lakh to the seriously injured.

 Jammu & Kashmir’s Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, insisted that the incident was purely accidental  and dismissed suggestions of any terror link, calling them “unnecessary speculation.”

Teams from NSG, NIA, and CFSL Join Investigation

Following the fatal explosion, central agencies have stepped into the investigation in a major way. On Sunday, 17^th Nov, forensic experts from the National Security Guard (NSG), the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), and other teams visited the blast site to collect samples and examine the scene more thoroughly. The involvement of these elite units signals that authorities are treating the incident with high priority, despite official statements ruling out any terror connection.

Unstable Chemicals Under Scrutiny

Officials investigating the site believe the explosion may have been triggered by a volatile chemical mixture. According to preliminary reports, some of the last boxes being sampled contained a liquid blend of acetophenone, hydrogen peroxide, and sulfuric acid — ingredients that, under certain conditions, can become highly unstable and potentially explosive.  The theory is that the lighting used for inspection may have increased ambient heat or that fumes from sulfuric acid built up, causing a premature detonation.

Investigations Underway, But Probe Faces Delays

While the Nowgam police station served as the operational hub for examining this large seizure, the blast has disrupted normal investigative procedures. Local authorities have sealed off the area and are coordinating closely with central forensic teams. Despite the tragedy, officials stress that the incident was not a deliberate attack. 

The blast has sparked serious concerns about the handling and storage of highly unstable explosive materials in a police station located in a densely populated neighbourhood — raising questions about security, standard procedures, and risk management going forward.

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