Psychological Analysis: Delhi Bomber's Chilling Video Reveals Calculated Mindset Behind Red Fort Attack

Umar, dressed in a grey t-shirt, recorded the video from within a house.

New Delhi:

An undated self-recorded video of Dr Umar Mohammad, also known as Umar-un-Nabi, the perpetrator of the blast near Delhi's Red Fort that claimed 15 lives, has emerged. Psychologist Namrata Ohri told NDTV that the bomber displayed a "confident thought process" while discussing suicide attacks.

Analyzing Umar's body language in the footage, Ohri noted that he avoided direct eye contact with the camera and exhibited constant movement, suggesting discomfort with his physical presence despite attempting to persuade viewers. The psychologist observed that his message appeared rehearsed and scripted.

"He seems to be recalling his thoughts, showing confidence in what he had prepared. He's trying to convince the audience that his actions, whether completed or planned, are justified, logical, and well-calculated. His thought process appears very confident, and he's attempting to articulate himself naturally," she explained.

The psychologist suggested that Umar had likely been indoctrinated, either by external influences or his own ideological reasoning.

"He's attempting to justify to young people or potential followers that bombing and suicide attacks are warranted," Ohri stated.

She also pointed out that the video was probably recorded in multiple attempts.

"There were evidently several takes. The content was mentally rehearsed multiple times. He repositioned the camera repeatedly. He must have engaged in extensive internal dialogue before filming, as he intended to deliver his message with absolute clarity. He wanted to project complete confidence," she explained.

The video shows Umar inside a house, wearing a grey t-shirt, with a wardrobe and hanging fabric visible in the background. "His appearance wasn't a priority. He focused on emphasizing his message rather than his visual presentation," the psychologist observed.

Speaking articulate English with a noticeable accent, Umar referred to suicide bombing as a "misunderstood concept."

"One concept frequently misinterpreted is what's labeled suicide bombing. It's actually a martyrdom operation... recognized in Islam. There are numerous contradictions and arguments presented against it," he stated, attempting to legitimize the violent act. The doctor further explained that a "martyrdom" operation involves someone anticipating their death at a specific location and time.

Umar can also be heard claiming that no person can precisely predict their time or place of death, suggesting it happens according to destiny.

"Don't fear death," he stated.

A white Hyundai i20 exploded near the Red Fort last week, with DNA testing confirming Umar as the suicide bomber.

The incident occurred on the same day authorities discovered 2,900 kg of explosives just 50 kilometers from the capital, in neighboring Haryana's Faridabad. Sources indicate that Umar likely became anxious and triggered the explosion after investigators apprehended two key members of the network, Dr Muzammil Shakeel and Dr Adil Rather - both Kashmir residents - and seized the explosives.