Delhi Blasts Investigation: Why Pakistan Targeted Doctors for Terror Operations in India

In a startling revelation, security agencies have discovered that several medical professionals were recruited by Pakistan-based terror outfits to aid in planning and executing attacks in India. The development follows the arrest of five doctors — Dr. Muzammil Shakeel, Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather, Dr. Shaheen Shahid, Dr. Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed, and Dr. Umar Mohammad (absconding), who are suspected of being involved in anti-national activities linked to terror groups.

Among them, Dr. Umar Mohammad has emerged as the prime suspect and alleged suicide bomber in the Delhi blasts case. Investigators say he and others were in direct contact with ISI handlers and ISIS recruiters, revealing a sophisticated cross-border network of radicalization and recruitment.

Why Terror Outfits Target Doctors

Experts say doctors are not chosen because of their profession but because of the strategic advantage their education and access provide. Terror organizations deliberately seek highly educated recruits to strengthen their operational and propaganda capabilities.

Key Reasons Doctors Are Recruited:

• Specialized Knowledge: Medical expertise in chemistry, biology, and surgery can be exploited for making explosives, biological agents, or providing medical aid during operations.
• Access to Resources: Doctors have access to controlled substances, laboratory tools, and safe facilities, which can be misused.
• Professional Cover: Their social respectability allows them to evade suspicion, making them ideal for covert operations.

Global and Historical Context

The use of medical professionals in terror networks is not unprecedented.
In the 2007 London and Glasgow bombings, several suspects were doctors. Former Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was himself a trained physician. ISIS propaganda has also highlighted doctors’ involvement to enhance credibility and attract educated recruits.

The India Connection: Arrests and Network Links

In the Indian context, recent arrests point to an inter-state terror module connected to Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH).

• Both Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather and Dr. Muzammil Shakeel were working at GMC Anantnag before being arrested in Saharanpur and Faridabad respectively.
• Investigators recovered 2,900 kg of explosives and two AK-series rifles.
• Their social media activities reportedly showed signs of ideological radicalization.
• Authorities believe they were using their medical roles as operational covers while coordinating with Pakistani handlers.

Additionally, the investigation has traced drone drops of weapons and explosives from Pakistan in border areas such as RS Pura (Jammu), Kathua, and Hanumangarh (Rajasthan) — allegedly orchestrated by the same network.

What Lies Ahead

Security agencies continue to probe whether the network had deeper roots in academic institutions or medical associations. Intelligence inputs indicate that recruitment efforts are increasingly shifting toward educated professionals through encrypted channels and ideological grooming.

Officials say the Delhi blasts case may expose one of the most sophisticated terror modules in recent years, highlighting the need for tighter surveillance and cyber intelligence on professional circles vulnerable to radicalization.