In a shocking revelation, investigators have identified Dr Umar Mohammad, a Pulwama-born physician, as the prime suspect behind the devastating car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort that killed nine people and injured over 20 on Monday evening. The incident marks one of the most disturbing cases of radicalisation among educated professionals in recent years.
According to Delhi Police, Dr Umar, a medical officer at Al Falah Medical College, Haryana, owned the white Hyundai i20 used in the attack. The car, laden with Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) and a detonator, was parked near the Red Fort for over three hours before it exploded. CCTV footage reportedly shows Umar sitting inside the vehicle until the blast, strongly indicating a suicide attack.
Born in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, on 24 February 1989, Dr Umar allegedly maintained close ties with two other doctors—Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather and Dr Mujammil Shakil—both of whom were arrested earlier this week for their links to what authorities are describing as a “white-collar terror module.”
Investigations reveal that Umar went into hiding after learning about the arrests of his associates and the recovery of 2,900 kg of suspected explosives from Faridabad. In a desperate move, he reportedly executed the suicide bombing to avoid capture.
The white Hyundai i20, bearing registration HR 26CE 7674, changed ownership several times in recent months. Originally sold by a man named Salman to Devender in March 2025, it was later purchased by Aamir, Umar’s brother, on 29 October, before ending up in Umar’s possession days before the attack. Police have detained both Aamir and another man, Tariq, for questioning.
Authorities have also uncovered a deeper network of radicalised doctors operating across multiple states:
- Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, a physician from GMC Anantnag, was arrested in Saharanpur after being seen putting up Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) posters. An AK-47 rifle and ammunition were later found in his locker.
- Dr Mujammil Shakil, another associate, was arrested in Faridabad on 10 November.
- Dr Shaheen Shahid, a woman doctor linked to the module, was caught with a rifle and live cartridges in her car.
- In a related case, Gujarat ATS detained Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed for allegedly plotting a ricin-based biological attack, having conducted reconnaissance of RSS offices and crowded markets.
The probe now spans multiple states, with agencies tracking digital communications, funding routes, and the misuse of medical laboratory resources for terror-related purposes. Forensic experts are analysing blast residues and metallic fragments to determine the explosive composition and scale.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the security establishment, revealing a dangerous new face of terrorism — educated, covert, and networked through professional circles.
Security has been intensified across Delhi’s landmarks, medical colleges, and hospitals, as intelligence agencies warn of possible further arrests. The investigation continues to expose how ideological radicalisation has infiltrated academic and medical institutions, posing an unprecedented national security challenge.
