Red Fort Bomb Video Claims Suicide Bombing is a ‘Misunderstood Concept’

A startling video of Dr Umar un Nabi, the accused driver behind the Red Fort blast that killed over 10 people, has surfaced online, offering a troubling insight into the extremist beliefs that may have motivated the deadly attack. The clip, believed to have been recorded before November 10, shows Nabi calmly discussing what he calls the “misunderstood” idea of suicide bombings, which he repeatedly refers to as “martyrdom operations.”

Seated alone in a room, Nabi delivers a detailed monologue justifying such attacks. In the video, he says that the term suicide bombing is widely misunderstood and argues that it should instead be described as a “martyrdom operation.”

He is heard saying, “One of the very misunderstood concepts is what has been labelled as suicide bombing. It is a martyrdom operation. There are multiple arguments and contradictions that have been brought against it. Martyrdom operation is when a person presumes that he is going to die at a particular place, at a particular time. He goes with the presumption that death is certain.”

The resurfaced clip has gained urgency and significance as investigators deepen their probe into the shocking attack.

NIA Confirms Suicide Mission Angle

The video emerged a day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested another alleged co-conspirator, Jasir Bilal Wani, who investigators say was radicalised by Umar un Nabi. According to the NIA, both men were planning coordinated suicide missions across India for over a year.

In a significant development, the NIA referred to Nabi as a “suicide bomber” for the first time while announcing the latest arrest. The agency also described the vehicle involved in the attack—a Hyundai i20—as a “vehicle-borne IED,” indicating that the explosion was not accidental but a deliberate act.

What Happened on November 10

The deadly explosion occurred at 6:52 pm near the Red Fort, when the slow-moving Hyundai i20 suddenly burst into flames at a traffic signal. The car, which had changed multiple owners and was fitted with a CNG tank, exploded with immense force, killing 11 people.

Forensic analysis has confirmed that Umar un Nabi was driving the car at the time of the explosion, strengthening the suspicion that the incident was part of a planned suicide attack.

Wider Terror Conspiracy Under Investigation

The Delhi Police Special Cell has launched a separate investigation to uncover the broader network behind the attack. Key questions now being examined include:

• Whether the explosives were sourced through terror-linked channels

• Whether more vehicles were being prepared for similar attacks

• Whether the plot was inspired by the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing

Sources indicate that the module may have been supported or guided by handlers based outside India.

Video Raises Serious Alarm

Investigators believe that the newly surfaced video will be a crucial piece of evidence. It not only offers a glimpse into Umar un Nabi’s radical mindset but also suggests premeditated intent behind the attack.

The video may have been created either as a personal manifesto or as part of a larger propaganda effort aimed at recruitment and ideological justification.

Next Steps in the Probe

Authorities are now analysing digital devices, communication patterns and social media activity linked to the accused to map the full extent of the conspiracy. Security officials believe more arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.

The emergence of the video has intensified concerns about a potential revival of suicide-style terror operations, signalling the need for heightened vigilance and stronger counterterrorism measures.