Major Reveal About Delhi Blast Mastermind Umar: Actions After Burhan Wani’s Death Uncovered

New Delhi: Investigative agencies have uncovered critical details about Dr. Umar, the alleged mastermind behind the suicide blast near the Red Fort in Delhi. Following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July 2016, Umar’s extremist ideology intensified, and the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 further fueled his radicalization.

Radicalization and Motive
Interrogations of captured members of the terror module and review of Dr. Umar’s past activities revealed that he actively participated in the protests in South Kashmir after Wani’s encounter. Umar frequently spoke about avenging Wani’s death and consistently attended Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed gatherings where anti-India rhetoric was prominent.

Ideological Divide Within Terror Module
Sources indicate that since 2023, Umar was conducting research on improvised explosive devices (IEDs). A deep ideological rift had developed within the Jaish-e-Mohammed linked module. Dr. Umar adhered to an ISIS-inspired model, while other members—Muzammil, Adil, and Maulvi Irfan—leaned toward Al-Qaeda’s ideology.

Attempts to Coordinate With Associates
On 10 November, just before the Red Fort attack, Dr. Umar tried to establish contact with remaining module members, but could not connect. He had prior ideological conflicts with Dr. Adil and Dr. Muzammil, leading him to believe they had betrayed him. Financial disagreements over funds—₹20 lakh received via hawala and ₹40 lakh from the Jamat—further deepened the split.

Underground Bunker Discovery
Investigators discovered a powerful underground bunker approximately 1 km from a nearby university. The structure, partially visible above ground, was funded secretly under the guise of a madrasa. Construction had begun around three and a half months ago and remains incomplete. A known associate of Dr. Muzammil supervised the site.

Use of Chinese Language for Communication
In a striking revelation, Dr. Umar had created a separate communication group using the Chinese language. According to confessions of arrested module members, Umar learned Chinese in just one year and acted as the group admin, with all module members communicating through this code.

Forensic Evidence and Explosives
Two weeks after the Red Fort suicide attack, forensic investigations have confirmed the presence of explosives such as ammonium nitrate and TATP (triacetone triperoxide). Collected evidence includes two live cartridges and a severed human body part. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) is expected to submit its final report to the NIA within the next two days, which is considered crucial for the ongoing investigation.