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Delhi Red Fort blast: Telegram, used by millions worldwide, is known for its strong privacy features and encrypted messaging. However, authorities say that these same features have turned it into a hub for terrorism, criminal networks, disinformation, and other illegal activities. Umar Mohammad, a doctor suspected to be behind the recent car blast near Delhi’s Red Fort, was part of a radical group of doctors that operated through the popular messaging app Telegram.
According to a NDTV report quoting Delhi Police sources, Umar was linked to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) through Telegram. As per the report, the investigators believe he triggered the explosion after panicking over the arrest of two of his associates- also doctors — who were allegedly key members of the JeM module.
It is widely reported that terrorist groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaeda have shifted their communications onto the app for purposes and Doctor Umar Mohammad may have been part of such groups.
Founded in 2013 by Russian-born billionaire Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai Durov, Telegram has gained popularity for its ease of use and secure communication. The app has also played a role in global political movements.
“Calls to violence and terrorist propaganda are explicitly forbidden by Telegram’s terms of service and are removed whenever discovered. Telegram proactively monitors public parts of its platform and accepts reports in order to remove millions of pieces of harmful content each day. To supplement its own proactive moderation, Telegram has partnered with the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideologies (Etidal). Telegram is in compliance with India’s IT Act 2021”, Telegram has reacted to the claims.
The probe into the deadly car blast near the Red Fort was on Tuesday handed over to the premier anti-terror agency NIA as investigators zeroed in on a doctor from Pulwama in south Kashmir with suspected links to an inter-state “white collar” terror module.
Dr Umar Nabi was driving the i20 car that exploded on Monday evening and is believed to be one of the 12 people killed, officials said. Jammu and Kashmir police took a DNA sample from his mother to match with the parts found at the scene of the blast, an official said in Srinagar.
(With PTI inputs)
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