Srinagar: State Investigation Agency Inspector Israr Ahmad Shah was among nine people who lost their lives in the massive explosion at the Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir.
Shah, who joined the police force in 2011, is survived by his wife, two young children, and elderly parents. A resident of the Drugmulla area in Kupwara district, he was widely regarded as a soft-spoken and dedicated officer, neighbour Ghulam Mohammad said. His helpful nature was evident from the large number of people who rushed to his home as soon as the news of the tragedy spread.
The other victims included Selection Grade Constables Javaid Mansoor Rather and Arshid Ahmad Shah, both photographers with the Crime Branch; Selection Grade Constable Aijaz Afzal Mir; and Constables Mohammad Amin Mir and Showkat Ahmad Bhat, all three associated with the Forensic Science Laboratory.
Also among the deceased were Naib Tehsildar Muzaffar Ahmed Khan, local chowkidar Suhail Ahmad Rather, and Mohammad Shafi Parray, a tailor.
Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat said the explosion occurred while officials were collecting samples of explosives seized in the ongoing probe into the “white collar terror module” case.
“As per procedure, the seized material had to be sent for further forensic and chemical analysis. Due to the large volume of the recovery, the Forensic Science Laboratory team had been carrying out this process for the past two days,” Prabhat said.
“Unfortunately, during this process, at around 11.20 pm on Friday, an accidental blast occurred. Any other speculation regarding the cause of the incident is unwarranted,” he added.
According to the DGP, nine people were killed and 32 others injured. The injured include 27 police personnel, two revenue officials, and three civilians from the nearby area.
