Updated on: November 12, 2025 | 7:16 PM IST

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has unearthed a dangerous ricin-producing setup in Hyderabad linked to a terror module allegedly associated with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). Three individuals—Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed (35), Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem Khan (23), and Azad Suleman Sheikh (20)—have been arrested in connection with the plot, which involved plans for coordinated attacks across multiple cities.

Discovery and Arrests

The operation began when Gujarat ATS raided the Hyderabad residence of Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed and recovered materials and equipment capable of producing ricin, a highly toxic protein extracted from castor beans. The investigation revealed that Saiyed, along with Khan and Sheikh, was planning coordinated terror attacks using firearms and ricin, after conducting reconnaissance in Lucknow, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.

Ricin is a lethal chemical toxin that can be fatal if ingested, inhaled, or injected. It is particularly dangerous because it currently lacks a widely available or specific antidote, making even small amounts a serious public safety threat.

Reconnaissance and Targets

Investigators stated that the three suspects had surveyed potential targets, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh office in Lucknow, Azadpur Mandi in Delhi, and Naroda fruit market in Ahmedabad. The instructions for these activities were reportedly transmitted via Telegram from a handler known as Abu Khadija, believed to be based in Afghanistan and linked to ISKP. Khadija is actively wanted in the case.

Weapons Cache and Arrest

On November 8, Saiyed was detained near the Adalaj toll plaza on the Ahmedabad–Mehsana road after police intercepted a silver Ford Figo. Authorities recovered two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, approximately 30 live cartridges, and nearly four litres of castor oil. Officers indicated that a cache of weapons had also been previously collected from a deserted site near Kalol.

Investigations revealed that Saiyed, who holds an MBBS degree from China, had been in contact with several Pakistani nationals and had already begun producing ricin. Mobile phone analysis led the ATS to identify Suhail Khan and Azad Sheikh in Banaskantha the same day. The latter two reportedly handed over a bag containing pistols and ammunition to Saiyed.

Weapons Smuggling

The ATS officers further disclosed that the firearms were sourced from Hanumangarh in Rajasthan and that the accused claimed to have received the arms via drones flown across the Pakistan border under the direction of their handler.

Legal Action

The Gujarat ATS has filed a case under multiple laws, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Arms Act. Saiyed was produced before the court and remanded to ATS custody until November 17. Authorities are continuing their investigation to trace additional members and connections within the module.

Implications

This discovery highlights the evolving threat of chemical-based terrorism in India, particularly the potential use of ricin—a substance that can be lethal in minute quantities. The module’s cross-state reconnaissance and the involvement of ISKP handlers abroad underscore the transnational nature of the threat.

Gujarat ATS officials emphasized that the arrests were part of a proactive counter-terror operation aimed at preventing potential attacks before they could be carried out. They also noted that coordination with central agencies and local law enforcement played a key role in apprehending the suspects and intercepting both the ricin production materials and weapons.

The authorities are also investigating possible connections to other extremist elements within India and abroad, as the module appeared to be part of a larger network planning synchronized attacks using both conventional firearms and chemical toxins.

The case has raised alarms about the accessibility of toxic chemical substances and the ease with which extremist groups may attempt to weaponize them. Security agencies across the country have been urged to heighten vigilance, particularly in urban centres where crowded areas could be potential targets.

Conclusion

The Gujarat ATS operation marks a significant intervention against a potentially catastrophic terror plot, preventing the use of a lethal chemical toxin in coordinated attacks across multiple Indian cities. The arrests of Saiyed, Khan, and Sheikh, along with the recovery of weapons and ricin-producing materials, are a crucial step in safeguarding public security and disrupting the operations of extremist groups with links to ISKP.

Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have stressed that more arrests and uncovering of associated networks could follow as the probe into the module deepens.