A chilling self-recorded video of Delhi blast accused Dr Umar un Nabi shows him defending suicide attacks as “martyrdom operations”. Investigators say the clip exposes his radicalisation and sheds light on the terror module’s larger plans.
Dr Umar Mohammad appears in a self-shot video in which he describes suicide bombing as a “martyrdom operation”. The clip has become a key lead in the Delhi Red Fort blast probe. | Pic courtesy: IANS
A self-shot video of Dr Umar Mohammad, aka Umar un Nabi, the man who drove the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 that blew up near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, has given investigators a clearer view of his radical beliefs and intentions. The recording, now in the hands of probe agencies, shows the Faridabad-based doctor attempting to justify suicide attacks by addressing them as “martyrdom operations”.
Officials probing the blast say the clip sheds light on Umar’s ideological tilt and may have been created to influence others. At least 15 people died when the vehicle exploded near the Red Fort Metro Station last week.
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In the video, Umar argues that suicide attacks are “misunderstood” and frames them as acts of religious martyrdom. He describes a “martyrdom operation” as one where an individual assumes he will die at a particular place and time, adding that debates around suicide bombings are full of “contradictions”.
In a heavily accented video, Umar is heard saying, “One of the very misunderstood concepts is the concept of suicide bombing; it is a martyrdom operation; as it has been known in Islam… There are multiple contradictions and arguments that have been brought against it — martyrdom operation.”
Investigators believe the monologue was intended to promote extremist ideology and reflects his readiness to conduct a large-scale, self-sacrificial attack.
According to officials, Umar had emerged as the most ideologically hardened member of the terror module operating out of Faridabad. He joined the network voluntarily and was closely involved in the planning, preparation and execution stages of the plot.
Police sources say the group had been discussing multiple dates and targets over the past few months. The blast on November 10 is now seen as a premature detonation, triggered after the module was compromised in Faridabad.
The investigation has revealed that the module had considered several possible occasions for a suicide attack.
The group reportedly intended to ram an explosive-laden vehicle into the Red Fort during Republic Day celebrations. But after the Faridabad module was busted, Umar appears to have shifted plans abruptly.
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Police raids in Faridabad earlier this month led to the recovery of large quantities of explosives and the arrest of several associates. Nearly 3,000 kg of ammonium nitrate mixed with TATP was seized during the operation.
Authorities believe this crackdown may have caused Umar to panic, leading to the rushed detonation near the Red Fort a day later.
Part of the same explosive material seized in the Faridabad operation had been transported to Nowgam Police Station in Jammu & Kashmir for sampling. Its unstable nature caused a tragic accidental blast before forensic examination could be completed, resulting in multiple casualties.
Officials have stressed that the explosion at Nowgam was accidental and occurred during standard handling procedures.
Investigators have also pieced together Umar’s activities before the Delhi blast.
Authorities have also confirmed that Umar and Dr Muzammil, another accused, travelled to Turkey, where investigators believe they may have been guided by handlers.
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