A joint statement by Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat and Joint Secretary (Kashmir) Prashant Lokhande said forensic analysis showed the explosion happened while FSL and NSG teams were examining the final batch of seized materials—primarily ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sulfur, and other reactive substances. The chemicals had been transported from Faridabad following raids linked to the November 10 Delhi car blast.
Investigators concluded that excessive exposure to light caused an abnormal rise in temperature inside the sampling area, triggering an uncontrolled reaction. Officials emphasised that despite strict handling protocols, the sensitivity of the compounds made the process inherently dangerous.
The seized materials—about 360 kg of chemicals—had been brought to Nowgam as the related case was formally registered there in October. On the night of the explosion, forensic specialists were conducting routine sampling when the blast tore through the building.
Among the nine victims were an inspector, three forensic experts, two Crime Branch photographers, two revenue officials, and a tailor assisting the team. The injured are being treated at the 92 Army Base Hospital and SKIMS Soura.
Senior police officials stressed that no evidence supports theories of sabotage or external interference. “There is no terror angle. The incident was purely accidental,” they said.
The confirmation comes amid heightened scrutiny following earlier speculation about a possible militant link. The incident has renewed calls for enhanced safety protocols during chemical examinations, especially in cases involving high-risk materials recovered from terror-related investigations.
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