The recent suicide bombing near Delhi’s historic Red Fort has reignited political and social debate, with Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi condemning the attack and questioning the government’s law-and-order preparedness. The attack, which occurred on November 10, killed 12 people and has since been linked to a network of doctors involved in a “white-collar” terror module.

Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), specifically responded to an undated video recovered from the phone of Dr Umar un-Nabi, the man who drove the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 that caused the blast. In the video, approximately 80 seconds long, Dr Umar is seen justifying suicide bombing, equating it with “martyrdom.” The clip, recorded in English, has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and debates about radicalisation, political accountability, and law enforcement effectiveness.

Condemning the video and the attack, Owaisi stated, “Suicide is haram in Islam and the killing of innocents is a grave sin. Such acts are also against the law of the land. They are not ‘misunderstood’ in any way. This is terrorism and nothing else.” His remarks were aimed at clarifying that extremist ideology has no basis in mainstream Islamic teachings while also addressing the broader public concern over radicalisation among young professionals.

Owaisi Questions Home Minister Amit Shah

In addition to condemning the attack, Owaisi posed pointed questions to Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the intelligence and law-and-order lapses that allowed such a terror network to operate undetected. He referenced Shah’s earlier statements following Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, in which the home minister claimed that no local Kashmiri had joined terror groups in the previous six months.

Owaisi’s criticism highlighted a disconnect between official assurances and the reality revealed by the Red Fort blast. On X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “Where did this group come from then? Who is accountable for the failure to detect this group?” His questions reflect a growing public scrutiny of intelligence agencies and local police forces in preventing acts of terrorism, especially in the national capital region.

Recovered Video and Its Significance

The 80-second video was retrieved from Dr Umar’s mobile phone after the detention and interrogation of his brother, Zahoor Illahi. Investigators confirmed that the video was critical evidence, as it directly displayed Dr Umar’s ideological motivations and his endorsement of suicide bombing. Despite damage to the phone, forensic experts successfully extracted the data, which is now undergoing detailed examination by law enforcement.

Officials have said that while the exact location where the video was shot remains unclear, investigators are attempting to determine it, potentially using mobile camera metadata and other forensic techniques. The video is considered a key piece of evidence not only in understanding Dr Umar’s radicalisation but also in tracing the operational planning of the terror network.

Dr Umar: The Most Radical Member of the White-Collar Terror Module

Authorities have described Dr Umar as the most radical member of the so-called “white-collar terror module,” which comprised doctors and other educated professionals allegedly linked to the Red Fort blast. Investigators allege that he actively promoted extremist ideology within the group and even tried to persuade others, including Jasir Bilal, also known as Danish, to participate in suicide missions. Bilal was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday in connection with the terror network.

The designation of a “white-collar” module refers to individuals who are not typical foot soldiers but hold professional qualifications and use their positions or expertise to facilitate terror activities. Dr Umar’s role in radicalising peers and coordinating logistics demonstrates how terrorist networks increasingly exploit educated youth to operationalise attacks while maintaining a low profile in society.

Investigation Into Phones and Communications

At the time of the blast, Dr Umar reportedly used two mobile phones, though authorities are working to ascertain whether he had additional devices or SIM cards. Each device could potentially contain crucial evidence, from communications with co-conspirators to ideological content that shaped the group’s operational strategies. Tracking the digital footprint of the accused is critical for understanding the network’s size, connections, and potential links to other extremist cells.

Law enforcement agencies are also examining the involvement of other members of the Al Falah University group, based in Faridabad, to which several accused doctors are linked. The investigation aims to map out financial and logistical support structures that enabled the execution of the Red Fort attack. Data extracted from phones, laptops, and institutional records are expected to play a pivotal role in both criminal prosecution and counter-terrorism measures.

Political and Social Implications

Owaisi’s condemnation of the attack and critique of the government reflects broader concerns about accountability, governance, and communal sensitivities in India. By emphasising that suicide bombing is “haram” and illegal, Owaisi sought to counter narratives that attempt to justify extremist acts under religious pretexts. At the same time, his questions to the home minister underscore public demand for transparency and effective security measures, especially after high-profile incidents such as the Red Fort blast.

The viral nature of Dr Umar’s video has amplified discussions on radicalisation in professional spaces and the role of educational institutions in monitoring and preventing extremist ideology. Security experts have highlighted that the involvement of educated individuals poses unique challenges for law enforcement, as conventional profiling and intelligence frameworks may overlook radicalisation among professionals.

Law Enforcement Perspective

From an investigative standpoint, the video serves multiple purposes. It provides insight into the mindset and motivations of the accused, establishes ideological intent, and helps trace potential recruitment and influence networks. Experts have noted that digital evidence like this is crucial for understanding how terrorist modules operate, plan attacks, and influence vulnerable individuals.

Officials have stressed that the investigation is ongoing, and every piece of evidence—including mobile devices, financial transactions, and institutional records—will be scrutinised to reconstruct the full scope of the terror network. Authorities are also examining whether any external entities facilitated or financed the module, potentially opening avenues for further national and international collaboration in counter-terrorism operations.

Conclusion

The Red Fort blast and the video recovered from Dr Umar un-Nabi’s phone have brought the issue of radicalisation, especially among educated youth, into sharp focus. Owaisi’s condemnation, paired with pointed questions to the government, highlights the need for both ideological and operational vigilance in tackling terrorism. While law enforcement continues to gather and analyse evidence, the broader political and social discourse underscores the critical balance between security, accountability, and community engagement.

Dr Umar’s radical beliefs, as evidenced in the video, have not only provided investigators with crucial insight into the terror module but also raised questions about preventive measures, institutional oversight, and the effectiveness of intelligence networks. As authorities continue their probe, the case is expected to set precedents in handling “white-collar” terror networks and underscore the importance of early detection of radicalisation among professionals.