Doctor-Terrorist's Second Suicide Bomber Plan Failed During Apple Season
Investigators probing the "white collar" terror module busted after the car bombing near the Red Fort have made a startling discovery. The mastermind, Dr Umar-un Nabi, attempted to line up a second suicide bomber for his operations. This plan collapsed when the potential recruit withdrew at the last moment. He cited family responsibilities during the crucial apple harvest season.
Parallel Terror Module Uncovered
Joint investigations by the Srinagar Police and the National Investigation Agency have revealed disturbing details. Nabi, who drove the explosive-laden vehicle that detonated outside the Red Fort on November 10, was running a parallel terror module simultaneously. The blast killed over twelve people and shocked the nation.
Interrogations of arrested suspects exposed the recruitment methods used by this doctor-turned-terrorist. These revelations led to the NIA arresting Shopian resident Yasir Ahmed Dar. Officials confirmed that Nabi had successfully radicalized Dar as a potential suicide bomber.
During a meeting in August last year, Dar backed out of the deadly plan. He specifically mentioned the "apple harvest season" and necessary repair work at his home as reasons for his withdrawal.
Professional Standing Used for Persuasion
Dar had been in contact with Nabi since 2023. He told investigators that Nabi's professional standing as a medical doctor made his extremist messaging appear more persuasive. Potential recruits found his arguments "trustworthy" because of his medical background.
The probe suggests Nabi was not just an operative but a calculated recruiter. He actively set up secondary, independent cells to ensure operations could continue even if primary modules were compromised. This strategy aimed to create a resilient terror network.
During the investigation, police recovered a voice note from the phone of one accused. In this recording, the individual is heard pronouncing 'Bayat' or the oath of allegiance for Jihad.
Recruitment Through Digital Channels
Dar, a school dropout, had earlier surfaced in investigations after one of his friends joined terror ranks. During questioning, it emerged that he maintained contact with Nabi via the Telegram messaging app. Nabi repeatedly instructed Dar to maintain peak physical fitness, preparing him for potential operations.
Dar represented the second prospective suicide bomber Nabi attempted to induct. Investigators described Dar as a "hardcore radical." Nabi believed a human bomber was essential for their planned operations.
Another Failed Recruitment Attempt
As the module began to unravel last year, Srinagar Police arrested another accused. Jasier alias Danish, from Qazigund in south Kashmir, became part of the investigation. A bachelor in political science, he told interrogators he met members of the 'Doctor module' in October 2024.
The meeting occurred at a mosque in Kulgam. From there, he was taken to rented accommodation at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. Jasir revealed that while other members wanted him to work as an over-ground worker for the banned Jaish-e-Mohammed, Nabi had different plans.
Nabi subjected him to intense brainwashing over several months. The goal was to turn Jasir into a suicide bomber. This plan collapsed in April last year when Jasir pulled out. He cited his poor economic condition and his belief that suicide is forbidden in Islam.
Dangerous New Layer to Investigation
Officials said the suicide-bomber scouting angle has added a dangerous new layer to the investigation. The Srinagar Police team, led by Senior Superintendent of Police G V Sundeep Chakravarthy, cracked this aspect of the case. It reveals the depth of planning within the interstate JeM-linked network.
Nabi, a 28-year-old doctor from Pulwama, emerged as the most radicalized and key operative. His network spanned Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, showing extensive reach.
Planned December Attack Thwarted
Investigators believe Nabi was planning a powerful vehicle-borne improvised explosive device blast. The target date was around the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary on December 6. The attack aimed to target either a crowded area in the national capital or a site of religious significance. After executing this plan, Nabi intended to disappear.
According to interrogations, Nabi's radicalization accelerated after a 2021 trip to Turkiye. He traveled with co-accused Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie. During this trip, they allegedly met JeM over-ground workers, deepening their extremist connections.
Chemical Stockpiles Discovered
After returning, Nabi and Ganaie began sourcing large quantities of chemicals from the open market. Ganaie taught at Al-Falah University in Faridabad. Their purchases included 360 kg of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sulphur.
Much of this material was stored near the university campus, creating a significant security threat. The December plot collapsed when Srinagar Police arrested Ganaie and seized the explosives. This action triggered panic within the module and ultimately led to the premature blast outside the Red Fort.
Wider Network Exposed
The wider inter-state network came to light after JeM posters appeared on walls in Bunpora, Nowgam. This area lies on the outskirts of Srinagar, and the posters appeared on October 19, 2025.
CCTV footage led to the arrest of three locals. Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid were taken into custody. All three had prior stone-pelting cases against them.
Their questioning led to another significant arrest. Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic-turned-imam from Shopian, was apprehended. He allegedly supplied the posters and used his access to radicalize the doctors involved in the module.
The investigation continues to uncover the complex layers of this terror network. Authorities remain vigilant as they work to prevent future attacks and dismantle remaining cells.
