Jammu, November 17, 2025: Teams from the Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSL) and the National Security Guard’s bomb disposal squad visited the Nowgam police station site in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday to investigate the accidental explosion that killed 11 people and injured dozens on Friday. Authorities have sealed the police station and surrounding areas to facilitate evidence collection and ensure a thorough inquiry.

Officials said the CFSL teams from Delhi and Chandigarh, along with NSG bomb disposal experts, inspected the site to recover clues from the debris left by the blast. They collected samples, documented the scene, and coordinated with local officials to understand the sequence of events leading to the explosion.

The explosion occurred during the sampling of explosives recovered from a JeM-led “white-collar terror module.” Approximately 360 kg of explosives, including ammonium nitrate, which had been brought from Faridabad as part of a larger haul of 3,000 kg, detonated accidentally inside a shed on the police station premises. The blast caused extensive damage, destroying dozens of vehicles, including police cars, and affecting nearby residential structures. The shockwave was reportedly heard across a significant part of Srinagar.

The fatalities included personnel from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the J&K Police, three CFSL team members, two crime scene photographers, two revenue officials part of the magistrate’s team, and a local tailor assisting with the operation. Dozens more sustained injuries, with many hospitalized for treatment.

Following the incident, the Union Territory administration ordered a magisterial probe into the blast. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized that such investigations are standard procedure for incidents of this nature. He clarified that there was no terrorist involvement in the explosion, describing it as an unfortunate accident during the ongoing explosives sampling process. “The sampling process of explosives had been underway for the past two days. The J&K Police have successfully dismantled a pan-India terror network and prevented multiple terror activities. The Nowgam police station incident was purely accidental, with no external conspiracy,” Sinha said.

The LG praised the J&K Police for their efforts in dismantling the nationwide terror module, reiterating that the incident should not overshadow their achievement in preventing potential terror attacks.

As investigations continue, the CFSL and NSG teams are expected to analyze the collected samples to determine the precise cause of the accidental blast and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Local authorities have coordinated closely with central agencies to ensure a detailed and transparent inquiry.

The Nowgam explosion has drawn attention to the handling and transportation of large quantities of explosives, particularly in operations aimed at neutralizing terror networks. Experts say that stringent safety protocols and procedural adherence are critical to prevent such tragedies during forensic and law enforcement activities.

The inquiry will examine all aspects of the incident, including storage, handling, and the sampling procedure, to determine lapses and assign accountability. Meanwhile, relief and support are being provided to the families of the deceased and injured, with the administration coordinating medical and financial assistance.

The investigation, led jointly by local and central teams, will provide comprehensive insights into the chain of events that led to the blast, helping authorities strengthen safety measures and mitigate risks in future counter-terror operations involving explosives.

This incident marks one of the deadliest accidental explosions in recent memory in the Union Territory and underscores the inherent risks faced by law enforcement and forensic teams during high-stakes operations against terror networks.