In a disturbing development, investigators have named Dr. Umar Mohammad, a physician from Pulwama, as the main suspect in a catastrophic car explosion that occurred near Delhi’s Red Fort, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine individuals and injuring over 20 others. This incident has raised grave concerns about the radicalization of educated professionals, marking a troubling trend in recent times.
Delhi Police confirmed that Dr. Umar, who serves as a medical officer at Al Falah Medical College in Haryana, was the owner of the white Hyundai i20 involved in the bombing. The vehicle, packed with Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) and a detonator, was reportedly parked in the vicinity of the Red Fort for over three hours prior to the explosion. Surveillance footage appears to show him inside the car up until the moment of the blast, leading authorities to believe it was a suicide attack.
Born on February 24, 1989, in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Umar is said to have maintained associations with two other doctors—Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather and Dr. Mujammil Shakil—who were apprehended earlier this week in connection with what authorities are describing as a “white-collar terror module.”
Reports indicate that Dr. Umar went into hiding following the arrests of his associates and the seizure of 2,900 kg of suspected explosives in Faridabad. In a bid to evade capture, he allegedly carried out the suicide bombing.
The Hyundai i20, marked with the registration number HR 26CE 7674, underwent multiple ownership transfers in the months leading up to the attack. Initially sold by an individual named Salman to Devender in March 2025, the vehicle was eventually acquired by Aamir, Dr. Umar’s brother, on October 29 before making its way to Umar just days prior to the incident. Authorities have since detained both Aamir and another individual, Tariq, for questioning.
Investigations have unveiled a broader network of radicalized medical professionals operating across several states.
Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, a physician from GMC Anantnag, was apprehended in Saharanpur after allegedly being observed posting propaganda for Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). An AK-47 and ammunition were subsequently discovered in his locker.
Another associate, Dr. Mujammil Shakil, was arrested in Faridabad on November 10. Additionally, Dr. Shaheen Shahid, a female doctor connected to the group, was found in possession of a rifle and live rounds of ammunition in her vehicle.
In a parallel case, authorities in Gujarat detained Dr. Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed for allegedly orchestrating a ricin-based biological attack, having conducted surveillance of RSS offices and crowded markets.
The investigation is unfolding across various states, with agencies scrutinizing digital communications, financial networks, and the potential misuse of medical laboratory resources for terrorist activities. Forensic analysts are currently evaluating blast remnants and metallic fragments to ascertain the composition and scale of the explosives used.
This incident has sent tremors through the security apparatus, exposing a perilous new facet of terrorism characterized by educated individuals who operate in secrecy and leverage professional networks.
In response, security measures have been heightened across Delhi’s prominent landmarks, medical institutions, and hospitals, as intelligence agencies alert the public to potential further arrests. The ongoing investigation continues to reveal the alarming infiltration of ideological radicalization within academic and medical settings, presenting an unprecedented challenge to national security.
