Accidental Explosion at Nowgam Police Station Kills 9, Injures 32 — Seized Explosives Linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed

Accidental Detonation at Nowgam Police Station Causes Multiple Casualties

At least nine people were killed and 32 others injured when materials used to make explosives detonated accidentally while being examined at a police station in Nowgam, Kashmir, shortly before midnight on Friday.

Regional Director-General of Police Nalin Prabhat told reporters the items had been slated for forensic testing but that a "very unfortunate" incident caused them to explode. He urged against speculation about the cause while authorities investigate.

The materials had been seized in Faridabad during an investigation into a car bombing in New Delhi that killed eight people earlier in the week. Officials said the haul included roughly 6,000 pounds of explosive material and other weapons and that the items have been linked to the Pakistan-based group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Police said the Faridabad raid produced six arrests; four of those arrested were identified as medical doctors and had their licenses revoked on Friday.

The blast severely damaged the Nowgam police station and damaged nearby buildings. According to a police statement, body parts were found up to 650 feet from the blast site and several vehicles were "engulfed in flames and reduced to charred husks." Regional Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered a formal investigation to determine the cause of the detonation.

Officials statement: "Any speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary," said DGP Nalin Prabhat, as inquiries begin.

Investigators are expected to examine handling procedures and whether safety protocols for transporting and storing forensic evidence were followed. Local authorities and emergency teams continue to work at the scene.