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Srinagar News Observer, Srinagar (2025)

15/11/2025

Four Dead in Dumper-Somu Accident in Budgam

Budgam, Nov 15 (KNC): Four people lost their lives after a deadly collision between a dumper and a Sumo passenger vehicle on the Waterwani stretch of the Budgam Ring Road late Saturday evening.

An official told news agency Kashmir News Corner --- KNC, the impact of the crash resulted three death on spot, while 4th one succumbed to injuries later.

Locals and passersby immediately rushed to the site and shifted the wounded to nearby medical facilities.

Confirming the tragedy, SSP Budgam Nikhil Borkar told KNC that four passengers have died in the accident.

Police have registered a case and begun further investigation into the circumstances leading to the collision. (KNC)

15/11/2025

Tailor who went to Police Station for brief stitching job couldn’t return home

Rehan Qayoom Mir

Srinagar,Nov 15 (KNO):When the thunderous Nowgam blast shattered Srinagar’s quiet night, 50-year-old Mohammad Shafi Parray—a father of three—was thought to be asleep at home. Instead, he was inside Nowgam Police Station, not as an accused or an officer, but as a tailor called in for a brief stitching job.

Shafi, a resident of the adjoining locality, was known across Nowgam for his modest tailoring shop along the Wanabal–Nowgam road, a small space where school students and shopkeepers often stopped to get their uniforms or trousers altered.

“He was honest and humble. Always busy, always smiling,” said a neighbour, standing outside his shuttered shop on Saturday morning, while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

According to neighbours, Shafi had visited the police station a day before, for some stitching work and returned home briefly.

On Friday night, he was again called for a similar task, but this time, he never made it back.

“He told us he would return in half an hour or so,” recalled his mother, her voice trembling. “We waited and waited. Then we heard the blast. Shafiyoo… Shafiyoo… kutei goukk (where did you go),” she wailed, as she remembered their last conversation.

Moments after the explosion, a fire engulfed the police station building. When rescuers reached the site, they found ‘charred debris’ and body parts among it, the remains of Shafi Parray.

The blast, which killed nine people including police officials, forensic experts and revenue officers, was described by police as “accidental.”

Officials said it occurred during the inspection of a cache of seized explosives, suspected to be ‘ammonium nitrate’ brought from Faridabad, Haryana earlier this month.

“The explosion happened during sampling of the seized material,” said DGP Nalin Prabhat, confirming the blast was accidental.

The explosion’s intensity shattered windows across Nowgam and sent debris flying hundreds of meters. Locals described scenes of panic and disbelief. “We saw smoke rising from the police station and heard cries for help. The sound was louder than anything we have ever heard,” said one resident who rushed to the spot minutes after the blast.

At Shafi’s home, grief hung heavy. His two sons and daughter sat quietly beside their mother as relatives and neighbours offered condolences. The verandah of their modest home had turned into a mourning space.

“He was a simple man earning a simple living,” said one of his relatives. “He had nothing to do with explosives or police work. He was just doing his job.”

As investigations continue into how a routine forensic process turned deadly, Shafi’s unfinished stitching job remains folded on his wooden table at “Parray Tailors” a silent reminder of a man who went to mend fabric and instead, lost his life to a blast that tore through the city’s calm—(KNO)

15/11/2025

Kangan youth among dead in Red Fort blast

Worked as a cart-puller, family says they have lost contact with him since Nov 10; Family member will have to travel to Delhi for DNA test: SSP

Raja Syed Rather

Ganderbal,Nov 15 (KNO): A youth from Babanagri Wangath, Kangan, is among the victims killed in the car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10 evening, which left more than 10 people dead and over 20 injured.

The 32-year Bilal Ahmad Sangoo son of Ghulam Hassan Sangoo had been working as cart-puller in Delhi for the past six years.

Elder brother of the deceased Farooq Ahmad while talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) over phone said, “Police have told us that verification is on. His picture is circulating on the social media and we have recognized him. He is my brother.”

Farooq said that they lost contact with him soon after the explosion. “His phone has remained switched off since.”

SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal told KNO that police received a report from the family that Bilal was indeed working in Delhi at the time of the blast. “A family member will have to travel to Delhi for a DNA test, and the body will be handed over only after a positive DNA match,” the SSP added.

According to the reports, Bilal’s cart was destroyed in the Red Fort blast.

His brother said that Bilal was unmarried, and he stayed alone, making a living by loading, unloading, and ferrying goods in his cart in the national capital—(KNO)

15/11/2025

‘If goodness had a face, it was his’: Senior cop’s death leaves Kupwara village numb with grief

Family shattered as Asrar leaves behind wife, three children, ageing parents

Sajid Raina

Kupwara,Nov 15 (KNO): Grief spread through this small Kupwara village on Saturday as residents gathered outside their homes and along the narrow lanes to mourn State Investigation Agency (SIA) Inspector of J&K Police, Asrar Ahmad, who was among nine people killed in the accidental blast at Nowgam Police Station on Friday night.

Muqam-e-Shahwali, a village in Kupwara located about 82 km from Srinagar and 7 km from the district headquarters, came to a standstill on Saturday as hundreds assembled for Inspector Asrar Ahmad’s last rites.

Many struggled to absorb the sudden loss of a man widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in the area.

People moved in groups, speaking in hushed voices, stopping occasionally to wipe their eyes. “There is a strange stillness here,” said Shabir Ahmad, a resident, while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

“It feels as if the breath of this whole village has been taken away with Asrar Sahab,” Ahmad said, trying to steady his voice.

For many in this close-knit settlement, Inspector Asrar was not just a government officer; he was a son of the soil, someone who carried the warmth of the village into his uniform. “He never behaved like he was above us,” recalled Tariq Ahmad. “To us, he was a neighbour first. A friend. Someone who made you feel respected no matter who you were.”

A large crowd, including several government officials, attended the funeral, which drew hundreds of residents from the area.

Mothers stood at their doorsteps with trembling hands, and young boys who once looked up to him as a symbol of achievement watched silently.

Asrar was laid to rest in the presence of a large crowd, many of whom had grown up with him or known him since childhood.

Another villager, Shakir, remembered how the entire area celebrated when Asrar was selected for the police force in 2010. “We all thought he would rise to great heights. He had that spark,” he said. “No one imagined we would be preparing his grave this early.”

Locals described him as someone who was always the first to stand with the needy. Whether it was arranging medicines, helping with paperwork, or simply sitting with an elder for company, he was known for small acts that left deep marks. “He lived with such decency,” said an elderly resident. “If goodness had a face in our village, it was his.”

The grief in the Muqam-e-Shahwali neighbourhood was amplified by the sight of his father, retired headmaster Haji Habibullah Shah, walking behind his son’s coffin.

“A father waits all his life for his son to support him,” said Nazir Ahmad, a relative. “But today he carried his son on his shoulders. That image will haunt us forever.”

Inspector Asrar leaves behind his wife, three young children, his parents, siblings, and an entire village that repeatedly called him its “pride”.

Meanwhile, SSP Imtiyaz Hussain shared an old post Asrar had written in 2020, a poem in which he asked to be remembered for his smile, his good deeds and “only my best”. Reacting to it after the tragedy, Hussain wrote that Asrar had served with honour and lived with grace, adding that his memories would remain with colleagues and that he was “gone too soon.”—(KNO)

15/11/2025

3 gang members from Punjab apprehended by security forces in Surankote

M S Nazki

Poonch,Nov 15 (GNS): Security Forces on Saturday detained three persons from Mirza Morh- Surankote, based on the suspicion of logistic supply, officials said.

They told GNS that the security forces intercepted a vehicle (swift Dzire) and recovered Rs 2.18 lakh cash from inside it.

Three individuals travelling in the vehicle, Kawaljeet Singh, Mandeep Singh and Harman Singh, all residents of Mehta Amritsar Punjab were detained and later brought to police station Surankote.

SDPO Surankote Surinder Singh told GNS that investigations have revealed that apprehended men are active members of the notorious Gopi/Ghanshyam Puria gang.

On sustained questioning, their disclosure led to the recovery of two pistols along with live ammunition, the SDPO said.

Following the recovery, a case under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Surankote, marking a significant success for the police in curbing organised criminal activities in the region. (GNS)

15/11/2025

Crime branch photographer from Awantipora among Nowgam blast victims

Villagers remember Javaid as ‘honest, soft-spoken soul’; hundreds join last rites

Jahangeer Ganaie

Pulwama,Nov 15 (KNO): In a tragic incident that has plunged an entire Pulwama village into mourning, Javaid Ahmad Rather, popularly known as Mubashir, a photographer with the Jammu & Kashmir Crime Branch, lost his life in the Nowgam Police Station blast last night.

Javaid, son of Mansoor Ahmad Rather and a resident of Hari Parigam in Tral, was among the officials present at the police station when the explosion occurred.

The sudden loss of the 32-year-old has left his family and community shattered.

Married just a few years ago, Javaid leaves behind his wife, his elderly parents, and a three-year-old daughter, who, villagers say, was the centre of his world.

Locals, who spoke to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), remembered Javaid as "a soft-spoken, honest, and hardworking man who carried out his duties with dedication".

“He was extremely sober and humble. Everyone here respected him for his nature and sincerity,” said a neighbour in Hari Parigam, struggling to hold back tears.

The news of his death sent a wave of grief across the area, with people from neighbouring villages gathering to express solidarity with the bereaved family.

Senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, SSP Awantipora, and several other officers, visited the village and attended the funeral.

Javaid was laid to rest amid heart-rending scenes, with emotional relatives and villagers participating in the last rites.

The air echoed with sobs as his coffin was lowered into the grave, marking a painful farewell to a young man whose life was cut cruelly short.

Elderly locals said that they have been witnessing killings and other things for the last 40 years and now want to see "full-time peace" without killings before their death—(KNO)

15/11/2025

9 dead in “accidental” blast in Nowgam Police Station, DGP rules out terror angle

SIA Officer, Naib Tehsildar, Tailor among dead, 32 injured; Blast caused after explosives seized from terror module go off; LG orders probe, Says govt stands with those affected; Mangled body parts scattered all over, some found 300 meters away, Police Station reduces to rubble

Ahmad Taimur

Srinagar,Nov 15 (KNO):Nine persons were killed, including a Naib Tehsildar, State Investigating Agency Officer, and a tailor, while 32 others were injured after a high-intensity blast ripped through Nowgam police station in Srinagar late last night, officials said.

An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the blast occurred when a stockpile of explosives, confiscated from an alleged doctors’ terror module busted by Jammu and Kashmir in Haryana’s Faridabad last week, accidentally went off inside the police station late last night.

The blast created panic among the local residents with its intensity such that houses - as far as 300-500 meters away - suffered extensive damage.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Nalin Prabhat said that during investigation of a case, a huge cache of explosives, chemicals and reagents were recovered from Faridabad on November 9 and 10.

He said that the recovery was transported to Kashmir and kept securely in an open area of the Nowgam police station. “As part of the prescribed procedure, samples of the recovery had to be forwarded for further forensic and chemical examination. On account of the voluminous nature of the recovery, this procedure was going on since yesterday," he said.

He further said that due to the unstable and sensitive nature of the recovery, it was being handled with utmost caution. “However, unfortunately at 11:20 pm accidental explosion took place,”

The DGP also ruled out any terror angle into the incident, stating that any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary. “In the incident 9 people were killed, including a State Investigating Agency officer, 3 FSL members, 2 photographers, 2 revenue officials and a tailor. In addition, 27 cops, 2 revenue officials and 3 civilians were injured. The injured were immediately evacuated to the hospital," he added.

The deceased have been identities as Ajaz Ahmad (SGCT) son of Mohammad Afzal Mir of Srinagar’s HMT, Arshid Ahmad Shah (Photographer) son of Nazir Ahmad Shah of Kulgam, Mohammad Amin (Head Constable) son of Mohd Maqbool Mir of Bemina, Javid Mansoor Rather (Photographer) son of Mansoor Ahmad Rather of Tral, Suhail Ahmad Rather (Chowkidar) son of Mohd Shafi Rather of Natipora, Muzaffar Ahmad Khan (Naib Tehsildar) son of Mohd Ramzan Khan of Soibugh, Showkat Ahmad (Lab Assistant) son of Gh Nabi Sheikh of Qamarwari, Srinagar, Mohd Shafi Parray (Tailor) son of Mohd Sideeq Parray of Wanabal, and Asrar Ahmad Shah (SIA Officer) of Habibullah Shah fo Drugmullah, Kupwara.

The injured have admitted to different hospitals, including Army’s 92 Base hospital in Srinagar, SMHS and a private hospital, based on the gravity of their injuries. Over 50 residential houses and nearby structures have also been damaged severely.

The DGP added also said that the building of the police station has been severely damaged, and adjacent buildings too have been affected, while the extent of damage is being ascertained.

The blast turned the police station into a rubble with charred remains of vehicles and other material scattered all around, showed several videos that have gone viral on social media since.

"The cause for the unfortunate incident is being inquired into. J&K police stands in solidarity with the families in this hour of grief," the DGP said.

Meanwhile, Joint Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Division in the Ministry of Home Affairs also briefed the media about the incident, sharing the same details.

The intensity of the blast was such that bodies were scattered all over with some found around 200-300 meters away from the police station and were recovered from the nearby residential houses.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha expressed anguish over the loss of lives in the incident, stating that he has ordered a probe into the matter.

He also said that the government stands in solidarity with the families, friends, and loved ones of the departed, while all possible assistance is being provided to those affected—(KNO)

15/11/2025

Nowgam Blast: Govt announces Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia relief for deceased

Raja Syed Rather

Srinagar,Nov 15 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday announced ex-gratia relief from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the victims of Nowgam Police Station explosion.

On the instructions of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the families of each deceased person and Rs 1 lakh to every injured individual.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the injured at Ujala Hospital, she said the tragic incident claimed nine lives last night, while around 30 others sustained injuries.

“Some injured were admitted at SMHS and have been discharged, while around 20 are still under treatment at Ujala Hospital. Thank God their condition is improving. One or two remain in the ICU, but all are stable,” she said.

Itoo praised the medical teams for their swift response. “The Ujala Hospital team has done a tremendous job. All doctors, including those from CMO and SMHS, reached immediately and worked throughout the night. Their timely efforts ensured proper treatment for all injured.”

She added that she also visited the homes of several deceased victims. “On the instructions of the Chief Minister, Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia will be given to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh to each injured person,” she said—(KNO)

15/11/2025

Woman Found Dead Under Suspicious Circumstances in Kralcheck, Pulwama

Pulwama,Nov 15 (KNC):A 35-year-old woman from Kralcheck in Pulwama was brought to SDH Rajpora by her relatives in an unconscious state on Saturday.

Officials told news agency Kashmir News Corner --- KNC, the deceased, identified as Jan, wife of Mehraj-din Wagay, had visible marks around her neck, making the case appear suspicious.

Police have initiated proceedings under Section 194 of BNSS to ascertain the cause of death.

The body has been shifted to SDH Shopian for post-mortem, and further investigation is underway, officials added. (KNC)

15/11/2025

Amid tears, sobs, NT Muzaffar Ahmad laid to rest

Top officials, newly elected MLA from Budgam participate in funeral

Naveed Ul Haq Ganaiee

Budgam,Nov 15 (KNO): Amid tears and sobs, thousands of mourners on Saturday attended the funeral prayers of Naib Tehsildar, Muzaffar Ahmad, who was killed in an accidental explosion at Nowgam Police Station.

The officer was laid to rest at his ancestral graveyard in Soibugh, where heartbreaking moments unfolded as relatives and locals bid a final farewell.

As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner Budgam Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, SSP Budgam Nikhil Borkar and several officers from the police and revenue departments participated in the funeral and offered condolences to the family.

Newly elected MLA Budgam, Aga Muntazir Mehdi also attended the last rites, standing with the bereaved family during the burial.

The body was carried through the village amid emotional sloganeering, with mourners chanting, “Shaheed ki jou maut hai, woh qoum ki hayat hai,” as they prayed for the departed soul.

Ahmad was among those killed in the high-intensity blast at the Nowgam Police Station on Friday evening, which authorities have described as an accidental detonation of seized explosive material—(KNO)

15/11/2025

IN PICS:Wreath-laying ceremony held in Srinagar to pay tribute to slain police personnel, lost life in Nowgam blast.

15/11/2025

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Seeks Transparent Probe Into Nowgam Police Station Blast

Srinagar, Nov 15, KNT: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Saturday expressed deep shock over the deaths caused by the accidental explosion at Nowgam Police Station and called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident.

In a statement on X, Mirwaiz said the tragic loss of lives had left everyone “shocked and deeply saddened,” stressing the need to establish how such a large quantity of explosive material was handled with “apparent negligence,” resulting in the devastating blast. He said accountability must be fixed and the findings made fully public.

Mirwaiz prayed for those who lost their lives and expressed solidarity with the families affected by the tragedy. He also sought speedy recovery for the injured, saying that his thoughts and prayers were with every family impacted by the incident. [KNT]

Srinagar News Observer

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