Investigators probing the Red Fort car blast in Srinagar have uncovered a damaged mobile phone containing a video that points to the radicalisation of Umar un-Nabi, the doctor who drove the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 during the November 10 attack. Officials say Nabi appeared to be the most extreme member of a network of educated professionals involved in the operation.
The one-minute, 20-second video, believed to be recorded in April, shows Nabi alone in a room speaking in English and attempting to justify suicide attacks as a form of martyrdom. The clip was found in a phone that Nabi reportedly instructed his brother Zahoor Ilahi to dispose of if anything happened to him. Zahoor later disclosed the device&rsquo;s existence after being detained, allowing forensic teams to extract data despite significant water damage.
Though no agency has officially confirmed the recovery, the video has become part of the ongoing investigation. Officials are now questioning the arrested members of the &ldquo;white-collar&rdquo; terror module to determine why the clip was made and whether Nabi attempted to influence others.
The National Investigation Agency recently confirmed that the Red Fort blast was carried out using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) and that Nabi&rsquo;s identity was established through DNA matched with his mother. At least 12 people were killed in the explosion, triggering a wide multi-state crackdown.
Investigators believe the group may have been trying to replicate the 2019 Pulwama suicide attack. Nabi was reportedly using multiple phones, and authorities are still tracking how many devices and SIM cards he operated. Searches have extended across states as agencies map the network&rsquo;s reach.
Three doctors, Muzammil Ganaie, Shaheen Shahid and Adeel Rather, have been arrested so far. Rather&rsquo;s brother, Dr Muzzaffar, suspected of being part of the cell, is believed to be in Afghanistan. Another doctor, Dr Nissar ul-Hassan, who worked with the group at Al Falah University, is currently being traced.
The Delhi Police Special Cell is examining how the module procured explosives and vehicles, and whether it intended to follow the tactical approach used in Pulwama. Former Jammu and Kashmir police chief SP Vaid has expressed concern over educated professionals participating in suicide missions, urging community intervention to counter growing indoctrination.

Investigators say Umar un Nabi embraced suicide bombing ideology before Red Fort attack

Umar un Nabi Was the ‘Most Radical Doctor’

Investigators say Umar un Nabi embraced suicide bombing ideology before Red Fort attack

November 19, 2025 | 10:42 IST