A week after the devastating car blast near Delhi’s historic Red Fort claimed 13 lives, a self-recorded video of the alleged bomber, Dr Umar Mohammad alias Umar-un-Nabi, has surfaced, offering the first direct glimpse into his radicalised mindset. The undated clip, which investigators believe was recorded shortly before the attack, shows the 28-year-old doctor attempting to justify suicide bombing by framing it as an act of “martyrdom”
Bomber seen discussing “martyrdom” in calm, articulate tone
In the video, Umar, who speaks fluent English with a noticeable accent, begins by saying, “One of the very misunderstood concepts is the concept of what has been labelled as suicide bombing. It is a martyrdom operation… known in Islam.” He then proceeds to argue that a “martyrdom operation” involves entering an act with the presumption of death, asserting that such an act is justified if one believes life and death are already destined.
Umar further adds, “Don’t fear death,” a statement that investigators say reflects the extent of his indoctrination. His calm demeanour, composed manner of speaking and carefully articulated reasoning confirm what security agencies have been suspecting: he was deeply radicalised, intellectually convinced of his actions and likely motivated by prolonged ideological grooming.
Suicide forbidden in Islam, but bomber sought to justify violence
Suicide is categorically forbidden in Islam, and mainstream scholars across the world have condemned suicide attacks as un-Islamic. However, Umar’s justifications in the video make it evident that he had been exposed to extremist interpretations that distort religious teachings to promote violence. His attempt to legitimise suicide bombing as “martyrdom” is consistent with patterns seen in global terrorist recruitment, where radical groups exploit vulnerable minds by reshaping religious ideas.
Officials analysing the video say this calm, structured explanation is particularly troubling because it shows how extremist organisations are targeting young, educated Indians who possess the intellectual tools to rationalise terror rather than merely participate in it.
Video confirms deliberate planning, not accidental detonation
The emergence of the video has also helped counter an earlier theory that the Red Fort blast might have been an accidental explosion while transporting explosives. Senior investigators now believe that the attack was premeditated, executed with precision and supported by a larger terror network operating across multiple states.
The Delhi Police and central agencies have determined that Umar’s statements, tone and presentation suggest that he intended the video to serve as a justification or ideological testament should he die in the operation. This aligns with global terror organisations that frequently encourage operatives to record messages asserting commitment to their mission.
Educated professionals increasingly on terror radar
The investigation into the Red Fort blast has exposed a disturbing trend: the rise of highly educated individuals within terror modules. Over the past year, security agencies have noticed an increase in radicalised professionals—engineers, researchers, and in this case, a doctor—being recruited by organisations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGH).
Earlier this month, following a major explosives seizure in Faridabad, the Jammu and Kashmir Police revealed that they had busted a transnational module linked to JeM and AGH. Their statement noted, “The investigation has revealed a white-collar terror ecosystem, involving radicalised professionals and students in contact with foreign handlers… using encrypted channels for indoctrination, coordination, fund movement and logistics.”
Funds, according to police, were routed through academic and professional networks under the garb of social and charitable initiatives. This method allowed operatives to function without suspicion, blending seamlessly into urban middle-class environments.
Recruitment shifting from rural to urban and educated
Security experts say the rise of individuals like Umar marks a shift in terror strategies in India. Instead of relying on vulnerable rural recruits, groups are targeting educated urban youth with ideological content spread through encrypted apps, private online lectures and closed digital circles.
Such recruits, investigators say, bring skills valuable to terror organisations: access to higher-income networks, technical literacy, stable professions that offer cover, and an ability to articulate extremist ideas convincingly.
Conclusion
The leaked video of Dr Umar Mohammad has raised critical questions about the spread of urban radicalisation in India. As investigators continue to unravel the wider conspiracy behind the Red Fort blast, the case stands as a stark reminder of how modern terror recruitment has evolved—quietly seeping into educated spaces, cloaked in ideological persuasion and digital anonymity. The incident also underscores the urgent need for stronger counter-radicalisation mechanisms, especially targeting youth and professionals who may be silently drawn into extremist narratives.