Medical professionals allegedly linked to Delhi terror attacks, alongside tech workers and educators, have been arrested for suspected connections to Al Qaeda and other banned terrorist organizations. The case has revived concerns about what drives highly educated individuals to embrace violent extremism.

According to experts, radicalization stems from a complex interplay of political, social, economic, and ideological factors. Irfan Engineer from the Centre for the Study of Society and Secularism identifies two primary catalysts: cultivated feelings of victimhood and sustained exposure to extremist propaganda.

“Somebody is reinforcing this ISIS-Jihadi ideology. In that sense, the perpetrators of this violence are victims of propaganda,” Engineer explained. “This is not the first time educated people have taken up violence. Somebody is creating this sense of victimhood. The perpetrators feel that they need to do something.”

Engineer noted that the pattern follows a recognizable trajectory where emotional politics and manufactured grievances deepen feelings of marginalization. However, he emphasized that understanding these factors does not justify acts of violence or terrorism.

The case is particularly disturbing as it involves medical professionals, who take oaths to preserve life. “A doctor is trained to save lives, even that of an enemy. I find it abominable that doctors can internalize this violence,” Engineer said.

Mansoor Khan, president of the Sufi Islamic Board, traces violent interpretations of Islam to political movements that emerged after Prophet Muhammad’s death. Khan argues that political forces have distorted religious teachings and overshadowed Islam’s peaceful foundations.

“Prophet Muhammad had a Christian slave who served the family for generations after the prophet’s passing and remained a Christian until his death. If forced conversion were common in the prophet’s time, would the slave have remained a Christian?” Khan asked, challenging narratives used by extremist groups.

Khan pointed to misconceptions propagated in some religious settings, where followers are promised divine rewards for violence committed in the name of religion. “Even the educated believe they will go to heaven and meet the hoors if they die for the religion. The reason is the indoctrination in mosques where they listen to an illiterate man giving sermons,” he said.

In India specifically, Khan observed this ideology manifests through adherence to the concept of “Ghazwa-e-Hind,” a prophecy interpreted by some extremist groups as a divine mandate to conquer the Indian subcontinent.

Zeenat Shaukat Ali, author and former professor, emphasized the responsibility of religious leaders to counter extremist narratives. “Imams have such a lot of influence. Religious sermons are fine, but they also have a responsibility to talk about peace and harmony,” she said, advocating for educational curriculums that promote peaceful coexistence.

The involvement of professionals from fields like medicine, software engineering, and education raises questions about India’s educational system. Engineer suggests that the current framework prioritizes technical knowledge while neglecting moral development. “It is all about professional knowledge. When there is moral education in schools, it is taught from the perspective of a particular religion,” he explained.

Ali stressed that terrorist actions ultimately harm Muslim communities the most. “Issues have never been solved by violence. Everybody comes under suspicion,” she said, describing the attacks as “deplorable and un-Islamic.”

Security analysts note that the recruitment of educated professionals represents a tactical shift by terror organizations, who increasingly target individuals with technical skills and social credibility to advance their operations.

As investigations continue, experts emphasize the need for robust judicial systems to address the root causes of radicalization. “We need a thorough judicial framework. Nothing justifies violence,” Engineer said.

Ali concluded with a call for decisive action against those responsible: “The investigation agencies are working on the cases. Conjecture is one thing, but results are important. Pinning down the guilty and showing them no mercy is imperative.”