Explosion During Forensic Examination Leaves Seven Dead
A powerful late-night explosion at the Nowgam police station on the outskirts of Srinagar has killed seven people and injured several others, intensifying concerns over the scale and sophistication of a terror module under investigation. The blast occurred while police and forensic personnel were examining explosive material brought from Faridabad as part of an ongoing probe. The explosion triggered multiple secondary blasts, shattering windows, damaging the police station structure and jolting nearby residential areas as emergency teams rushed in.
Chemical Cache Linked to Educated Terror Module
The explosives under examination were part of a massive haul of nearly 3,000 kilograms of chemicals including 360 kg of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sulphur and other bomb-making components earlier seized from properties associated with Faridabad-based doctor Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie and his associates. Investigators describe the network as a “white-collar terror module” spread across Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, allegedly run by highly educated individuals who used their professional backgrounds to conceal their activities.
27 Injured; Cause of Blast Under Investigation
At least 27 people, including 24 police personnel and three civilians, were hospitalised with burn wounds and blast injuries. Officials say it is still unclear whether the explosion occurred due to accidental mishandling during testing or if other factors contributed. A forensic review and a high-level inquiry have been initiated to determine the precise cause and identify any procedural lapses.
Threat Posters Sparked the Initial Breakthrough
The case was first uncovered in mid-October after posters threatening security forces were found pasted on walls in Bunpora, Nowgam. CCTV footage helped identify and track down three suspects Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid who were arrested soon after. Their interrogation led police deeper into the network, uncovering a wider radicalisation chain.
Radicalisation Trail Leads to Imam and Young Doctors
Following the initial arrests, police detained Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic-turned-Imam from Shopian, accused of supplying the posters and indoctrinating young medical professionals using his influence within the community. His interrogation led investigators further toward a ring of medical professionals allegedly operating as the core of the module.
Doctors From Faridabad Formed the Inner Operational Unit
The probe eventually reached Al Falah University in Faridabad, resulting in the arrest of doctors Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie, Shaheen Sayeed, Dr Umar Nabi and Dr Muzzaffar Rather. Another doctor, Adeel Rather, was arrested separately after police recovered an AK-56 rifle from him. Investigators believe the group procured chemicals, coordinated logistics via encrypted communication channels and facilitated the stockpiling of explosive material across locations.
Deadly Delhi Blast Linked to Same Module
The Nowgam explosion follows closely on the heels of a fatal car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort earlier this week that killed at least 13 people. CCTV footage showed the vehicle was driven by Dr Umar Nabi, who is believed to have been a key member of the module. Officials say he fled after learning of the crackdown and may have detonated the vehicle out of panic as security forces closed in.
Inquiry Intensifies as Authorities Hunt for More Evidence
Friday’s blast has raised serious concerns about the size of the network and the huge volume of explosive material it had amassed. A high-level investigation is now underway to determine what triggered the Nowgam police station explosion, identify operational lapses and assess whether further caches or accomplices are still undiscovered.
