Srinagar, Nov 15,: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday rejected as false and mischievous the online claims made by PAFF, an offshoot allegedly linked with Pakistan-based militant groups, regarding the deadly blast inside Nowgam Police Station during the night inspection of seized explosive material.
In an official statement posted on X, the police said that any assertion by PAFF or any other Pakistani militant organisation about involvement in the explosion was “patently false, baseless and mischievous.” The clarification came shortly after a media outlet reported that PAFF had claimed responsibility, though verification of the claim was said to be pending.
The blast occurred around 11:20 pm on Friday during forensic sampling of a large quantity of ammonium nitrate that had been confiscated earlier this month. According to police officials, the explosion happened inside the premises while FSL experts, police personnel and a team led by the local Tehsildar were examining the material. The authorities have already termed the incident a tragic accident and ruled out any militant angle.
The explosion resulted in heavy casualties, leaving several houses in the vicinity damaged. As of Saturday morning, the death toll had risen to nine, with over two dozen injured, many of them police personnel and officials present during the inspection. Police teams have cordoned off the entire area, and further forensic examination is underway.
Senior officers reiterated that speculation regarding the blast’s cause was unwarranted, stressing that the investigation is progressing “professionally and thoroughly.” [KNT]
