The Hindu: Published on 15th November 2025.
Why in News?
A car bomb explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10 killed 13 people and injured over 20.
Investigation revealed an unusual terror network led by doctors, including Dr. Umar ul Nabi, who died in the blast.
Police recovered 360 kg of explosives, weapons, and bomb-making materials from multiple locations.
The case has now been taken over by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
The involvement of educated medical professionals has shocked the public and raised major questions on radicalisation among white-collar groups.
WHAT HAPPENED?
At 6:55 p.m., a white car exploded on Netaji Subhash Marg, very close to the Red Fort.
The explosion was massive — dismembered bodies, shattered vehicles, and widespread damage were reported.
CCTV showed the suspect, Dr. Umar ul Nabi, driving the car into Delhi in the morning and doing multiple reconnaissance trips before the blast.
Investigators believe Nabi may have triggered the bomb accidentally due to faulty assembly or panic.
HOW WAS THE TERROR MODULE BUSTED?
A. Long investigation triggered by small clues
The case surprisingly started with posters in Urdu in Srinagar, asking people not to cooperate with the police.
CCTV led the J&K CID to three young men → to a local cleric → to three doctors.
This chain of links revealed a large white-collar radicalised network.
B. Key arrests:
Dr. Muzammil Ganaie (Faridabad)
Dr. Adeel Rather (Saharanpur)
Dr. Umar ul Nabi (mastermind; died in blast)
Others including a professor, an imam, and clerics.
C. Massive recovery of explosives:
360 kg ammonium nitrate, IED-making materials, timers, walkie-talkies.
2,900 kg of explosive-making material was reportedly assembled over months.
AK rifles recovered from doctors’ rented houses and workplaces.
WHO ARE THE MAIN ACCUSED?
1. Dr. Umar ul Nabi
Highly educated doctor, topper in medical studies.
Missing since October 7.
Strongly radicalised, believed to be the mastermind.
Connected to handlers through encrypted channels.
Died inside the bomb-laden car.
Dr. Muzammil Ganaie
Junior doctor at Al Falah University.
Rented rooms where huge quantities of explosives were found.
Maintained contact with other module members; traveled abroad in 2022.
Dr. Adeel Rather:
Private hospital doctor in Saharanpur.
Former workplace had an AK-56 rifle suspected to belong to Dr. Nabi.
Other accused:
Dr. Shaheen Saeed – car used for transporting explosives.
Her brother, Dr. Parvez Saeed – being questioned.
Irfan Ahmad (cleric) – involved in radicalisation and propaganda.
Imam Ishtiyaq – rented space used to stockpile explosives.
HOW WERE DOCTORS RADICALISED?
Dr. Nabi is believed to have indoctrinated the others.
They used encrypted apps to communicate with handlers.
Used their medical knowledge of chemicals to make high-grade explosives.
Slowly stockpiled ammonium nitrate, urea, batteries, detonators from open markets.
Tried to create a “second base” by moving from Kashmir to hospitals in Faridabad and Saharanpur to avoid scrutiny.
INTENDED TARGETS?
Investigators have not confirmed the exact planned target.
Possible high-profile targets in Delhi, given:
Recce of Kashmere Gate, Daryaganj, Sunehri Masjid
Proximity to Red Fort
The explosion may have happened prematurely, saving a large-scale attack.
ROLE OF POLICE AND AGENCIES:
Delhi Police registered UAPA charges.
The NIA took over due to the terror link.
J&K Police call it a transnational module linked to:
Jaish-e-Mohammad
Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind
Investigations span:
- Delhi
- J&K
- Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Foreign connections (Pakistan, UAE, Turkey, Afghanistan)
IMPACT ON SECURITY:
A. Shock over white-collar terrorism
Highly educated doctors involved in bomb-making shakes traditional assumptions.
Raises questions about radicalisation in professional spaces.
B. Security vulnerability near Red Fort
The blast happened 500 metres from a route used by the PM.
Suggests possible planning for larger symbolic damage.
C. Need for stronger monitoring:
Increased surveillance on:
University campuses
Foreign travel patterns
Encrypted messaging channels
Purchases of fertiliser-based chemicals
HUMAN COST:
Victims
Innocent commuters, shopkeepers, cab drivers.
Families still waiting for bodies or recovering wounded members.
Example
Sonu, a father, collected his 23-year-old son’s body.
10-year-old girl waiting for her father who never came back.
Cab driver Shakir, severely injured, asked first about his passenger.
These stories underline the deep personal tragedies behind terror acts.
WHAT NEXT?
- NIA will file a detailed charge sheet.
- Tracking of foreign handlers is underway.
- More arrests likely if wider networks are uncovered.
- India is expected to tighten controls on:
- Fertiliser purchase.
- Renting rules in sensitive zones.
- Movements of high-risk individuals.
