High-Level Panel Formed To Probe Nowgam Blast
A high-level committee has been formed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to investigate the explosion at the Nowgam Police Station near Srinagar. The blast, which occurred on November 14, killed nine people and injured over 30. Officials described the incident as an accidental detonation involving seized explosive material.
Members Of The Probe Panel
The committee is chaired by the Principal Secretary (Home) and includes the Inspector General of Police (Kashmir Zone), the District Magistrate of Srinagar and a senior forensic expert from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory. The panel has been asked to examine how the explosives were transported, stored and handled before the blast.
Background To The Incident
The explosion happened while police and forensic teams were examining explosive material that had been seized earlier during an investigation into a terror module in Faridabad. Authorities said initial findings indicate there was no terror angle and that the blast was caused by mishandling during inspection.
Mandate And Safety Concerns
The committee will review all Standard Operating Procedures related to the handling of explosive material and identify lapses, if any. Experts have stated that the blast could have been avoided with stricter safety adherence. Families of victims have demanded clarity on why such material was stored within the police station premises.
Next Steps In The Inquiry
The panel is expected to submit an interim report soon. The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced Rs 10 lakh compensation for the families of those killed and Rs 1 lakh for the injured. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as the formal investigation continues.
