A massive explosion rocked Srinagar on Friday, completely destroying the Naugam Police Station and leaving at least 12 people dead, including senior police officials. The blast occurred when teams were handling nearly 350 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, which had been seized earlier in a terror-related case traced back to Faridabad.
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion was so powerful that it shook nearby residential colonies, shattering windows and sending debris flying several meters away. Rescue teams from local police, SDRF, and NDRF rushed to the spot and began extensive search operations. Officials fear that the death toll may rise, as several personnel are still believed to be trapped under the rubble.
India Today journalist Mir Farid, reporting directly from the blast site, stated that investigators are currently examining two major theories behind the explosion.
According to Mir Farid, “The lines of investigation are on two angles — one, possible mishandling during sampling of the seized ammonium nitrate. The second angle being probed is whether a vehicle carrying an IED was planted in the premises.”
The incident has triggered a high-level security review across Kashmir. Additional forces have been deployed, and the surrounding areas have been cordoned off to prevent any secondary threats. High-ranking officers from central agencies, including the NIA and Intelligence Bureau, have joined the investigation.
Authorities have also begun verifying whether the seized explosives were stored safely and whether standard safety protocols were followed. The blast has raised serious concerns about handling large quantities of explosive materials within civilian zones.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has assured that a detailed inquiry will be conducted and accountability will be fixed.
