A motor vehicle explosion near India’s historic Red Fort in Delhi on November 10 has been identified by Indian investigators as a new face of “white collar terrorism,” allegedly orchestrated by a group of highly educated professionals.
The blast killed nine people and injured more than 20, marking a significant escalation in the tactics of terrorist organizations.
Authorities now believe the attack was planned by a cell of well-educated doctors, highlighting a dangerous trend of radicalization among respected professionals.
The suicide bomber, who drove the white Hyundai i20 that was destroyed in the blast, is strongly suspected to be Dr. Umar Mohammad.
His mother and siblings are currently detained in Jammu and Kashmir for questioning. Two other doctors, Adil Ahmad Rater and Musammil Shakil, are also under investigation for their alleged links to the terror network.
Security agencies warn that this incident reflects a shift in terrorist recruitment, moving beyond traditional foot soldiers to target individuals with high social standing and professional credibility.
Investigators have found that the “white collar” terror group used encrypted communication channels for planning, coordination, fundraising, and logistics. Funds were reportedly raised through professional networks, often under the guise of charitable or academic activities.
Days before the explosion, a joint investigation by Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana police uncovered a massive cache of suspected ammonium nitrate-about 2,900 kilograms-hidden in two rooms in Faridabad.
Investigators believe the chemicals were used in the Delhi blast.
Experts suggest that Dr. Umar Mohammad, fearing exposure after his associates were arrested and the explosives were seized, carried out the suicide attack in a panic, deviating from the original plan.
The explosion occurred around 6:52 PM on Netaji Subhash Marg, between the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. CCTV footage shows the vehicle parked near the Red Fort for over three hours before the blast, with the driver never leaving the car.
A case has been registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and India’s premier counter-terrorism agency, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), is set to take over the investigation.
