Pulwama-Born Doctor Linked to Red Fort Blast; Network of Radicalised Medics Under Probe
In a major breakthrough, investigators identified Dr Umar Mohammad, a Pulwama-born doctor, as the mastermind behind the car blast near Delhi's Red Fort that killed nine people and injured more than twenty on Monday evening, the authorities said. The blast exposed the alarming trend of radicalization among well-educated professionals, especially in the medical fraternity.
According to the Delhi Police, Dr. Umar was a medical officer at Al Falah Medical College in Haryana, and the white Hyundai i20 used in the attack belonged to him. The vehicle had been loaded with ANFO and detonators, and lay parked near Red Fort for almost three hours before it exploded. CCTV footage reportedly shows Umar inside the car moments before the blast — suggesting a possible suicide mission.
Born on 24 February 1989 in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Umar is believed to have strong connections with two other doctors — Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather and Dr. Mujammil Shakil — both arrested earlier for their roles in what officials have described as a "white-collar terror network."
Umar reportedly went underground after the arrest of his associates and seizure of 2,900 kg of suspected explosives from Faridabad. According to investigators, he plotted the suicide bombing in a desperate bid to evade arrest. The car's registration number, HR 26CE 7674, had changed hands multiple times in recent months — from Salman to Devender in March 2025, then to Umar's brother Aamir on 29 October, before finally being used in the attack. Police detained Aamir and another suspect named Tariq for questioning.
Authorities are now mapping a broader terror network involving radicalised medical professionals across several states. Among those already in custody is Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, a physician from GMC Anantnag, arrested in Saharanpur after being seen putting up Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) posters. Later, an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were recovered from him. Similarly, on 10 November, Dr. Mujammil Shakil was arrested from Faridabad. Dr. Shaheen Shahid, another doctor allegedly linked to the group, was caught with a rifle and live cartridges.
In another related probe, Gujarat ATS arrested Dr. Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed on charges of plotting a ricin-based biological attack following reconnaissance of RSS offices and busy markets. The multi-agency probe has now expanded across various states, tracing digital communication trails and financial links, besides the misuse of medical laboratories for extremist activities. Forensic teams are analysing blast debris and metallic fragments to confirm the type and intensity of explosives used. The attack has sent shockwaves through India's security apparatus, triggering a new and deeply concerning trend-terrorism emanating from professional and academic circles. Following the incident, strict security has been imposed on various landmarks, hospitals, and medical institutions in Delhi, while intelligence agencies are bracing themselves for further developments in the investigation.
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