Deadly Blast Rips Through Police Station in Srinagar
A devastating explosion tore through a police station in the Nowgam area of Srinagar, the main city in Indian-administered Kashmir, late on Friday. Police confirmed that at least eight people were killed and 27 others injured, with many of the victims being police and forensic officials.
Cache of Confiscated Explosives to Blame
The blast was caused by the detonation of a cache of confiscated explosives that was being stored at the station. A team of forensic experts and police officers were examining the material when the explosion occurred. The force of the blast ripped through the building, setting the compound and multiple vehicles on fire.
According to reports from the Press Trust of India, subsequent smaller explosions hampered immediate rescue efforts by the bomb disposal squad, delaying operations. Authorities have stated that some of the injured are in a critical condition.
Connection to Broader Security Investigation
This tragic event comes amidst a heightened security alert in the region. The explosives involved were reportedly seized during a recent raid connected to the investigation into Monday's deadly car explosion in New Delhi, which also killed eight people near the Red Fort.
Indian officials had labelled the Delhi blast a terror attack. In the aftermath, security agencies carried out a series of raids in Kashmir, dismantling a suspected militant cell and making several arrests, including two doctors. The explosive material brought from those raids to the Nowgam police station for investigation is believed to be the source of Friday's blast.
The long-standing territorial dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan continues to be a flashpoint. Militant groups in the Indian-controlled portion have fought against New Delhi's rule for decades, with India accusing Pakistan of sponsoring terrorism—a charge Pakistan denies.
