Ahmedabad, Gujarat – In a major counter-terrorism operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Sunday announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with a conspiracy to carry out terrorist attacks in multiple parts of India. Authorities recovered firearms, ammunition, and materials capable of producing chemical toxins, highlighting the potential severity of the planned attacks.

The suspects have been identified as Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed, Mohammad Suhel, and Azad. According to the Gujarat ATS, the trio was apprehended while supplying weapons and planning coordinated attacks that could have caused significant harm.

Seizure of Arms and Hazardous Materials

The ATS reported the recovery of two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, thirty live cartridges, and four litres of castor oil, which is reportedly being used by the suspects to prepare Ricin, a potent chemical poison derived from castor beans. The seizure underscores the dangerous intent of the accused and the seriousness of the threat that was averted by the operation.

Gujarat ATS DIG Sunil Joshi explained, “Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed, a medical graduate who studied MBBS in China, had been planning a terrorist activity capable of causing extensive harm. He was in contact with several foreign operatives, including a Telegram ID identified as Abu Khadeja, allegedly associated with Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP).”

According to the ATS, Mohiuddin had initiated preparations to manufacture Ricin and had come to Ahmedabad to receive a weapons consignment from Kalol. His associates, Azad and Mohammad Suhel, both hailing from Uttar Pradesh, were radicalized through religiously influenced education and maintained international contacts, according to authorities.

Suspects’ Activities and Movements

DIG Joshi revealed that the other two suspects conducted reconnaissance or “Reiki” operations in crowded public spaces across Lucknow, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. Their movements were also reportedly observed in Kashmir. Weapons were transported from Hanumangarh in Rajasthan to Kalol, Gujarat, as part of the logistical chain.

The arrested individuals are currently in police custody, with one sent to police remand until November 17, while the remaining two were produced in court on the same day of arrest. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of their network, contacts, and planned operations.

Previous Gujarat ATS Counter-Terror Operations

This arrest is part of a continued effort by the Gujarat ATS to dismantle terror modules operating within the state. Earlier in 2025, the agency had arrested several individuals with alleged links to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS).

In July, a 30-year-old woman named Sama Parveen was apprehended in Bengaluru for allegedly running an online terror module with links to Pakistani contacts. This followed the arrest of four other suspects on July 23, identified as Mohammad Faiq (Delhi), Mohammad Fardeen (Ahmedabad), Sefullah Kureshi (Modasa, Aravalli district), and Zeeshan Ali (Noida, Uttar Pradesh). Documents recovered from their possession suggested connections to Operation Sindoor, an AQIS-related plan.

DIG Sunil Joshi emphasized that these arrests are based on specific intelligence inputs and meticulous surveillance, underscoring the proactive measures being taken by the ATS to prevent terror incidents in Gujarat and across India.

Significance of the Arrests

The arrests highlight the evolving nature of domestic terrorism threats in India, particularly the use of chemical toxins and firearms to carry out attacks. The Gujarat ATS’s intervention not only disrupted a potentially deadly terror plot but also prevented the further spread of extremist ideologies that the suspects were allegedly fostering through their international contacts.

The discovery of castor oil intended for Ricin production has raised additional concerns regarding the technical capabilities of such terror networks. Authorities have reiterated the importance of community vigilance, intelligence sharing, and robust law enforcement measures in countering terrorism.

Conclusion

The Gujarat ATS operation demonstrates the agency’s commitment to thwarting terror activities and maintaining public safety. With continuous monitoring, coordinated intelligence, and targeted interventions, authorities aim to dismantle terror networks before they can execute their plans. Investigations into the arrested suspects are ongoing, and the ATS has promised updates as more information comes to light regarding their connections, planned targets, and operational methods.