Pulwama-Born Physician Linked to Red Fort Explosion; Investigation Expands on Radicalised Doctors Network

In a startling development, authorities have pinpointed Dr. Umar Mohammad, a physician originating from Pulwama, as the primary suspect in the catastrophic car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort. The blast on Monday evening resulted in the deaths of nine individuals and injured over 20 others. This incident is being considered one of the most alarming examples of radicalisation among the educated elite in recent history.

The Delhi Police report that Dr. Umar, who served as a medical officer at Al Falah Medical College in Haryana, was the owner of the white Hyundai i20 implicated in the attack. The vehicle, filled with Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) and a detonator, had been stationed near Red Fort for more than three hours prior to the explosion. CCTV footage allegedly captures Umar inside the car up until the moment of the blast, suggesting a suicide mission.

Umar was born on 24 February 1989 in Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir. He reportedly had strong connections with two other physicians, Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather and Dr. Mujammil Shakil, both apprehended earlier this week for their involvement in what officials are calling a "white-collar terror module."

Following the arrests of his colleagues and the seizure of 2,900 kg of suspected explosives in Faridabad, Umar went into hiding. In an apparent bid to evade arrest, he allegedly carried out the suicide attack.

The white Hyundai i20 with registration HR 26CE 7674 had several ownership changes in recent months. Initially sold by a person named Salman to Devender in March 2025, it was then purchased by Umar's brother, Aamir, on 29 October. The car ended up with Umar shortly before the incident. Both Aamir and another individual, Tariq, have been detained for questioning by the police.

Authorities have also discovered an extensive network of radicalised medical professionals operating in various states:

The investigation now extends across several states, as agencies scrutinize digital communications, financial connections, and the misuse of medical laboratory resources for terror activities. Forensic specialists are examining blast residues and metallic fragments to accurately determine the explosive's composition and magnitude.

This event has sent ripples through the security community, unveiling a new and dangerous facet of terrorism characterized by educated individuals operating covertly within professional circles.

Security measures have been heightened around Delhi's significant sites, medical colleges, and hospitals, following warnings from intelligence agencies about potential further arrests. The ongoing investigation continues to unravel the extent of ideological radicalisation within academic and medical fields, presenting an unprecedented challenge to national security.