Key Points:
NIA charge sheeted Hyderabad doctor Dr. Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin and two others in an alleged ISIS-linked bioterror conspiracy.
Investigators alleged the accused planned ricin-based mass poisoning attacks in crowded public places.
The doctor allegedly converted his Hyderabad residence into a secret ricin extraction laboratory.
Gujarat ATS first uncovered the case in November 2025 before the NIA took over the probe.
The accused allegedly handled terror funding, illegal weapons, recruitment and coordination with foreign ISIS handlers.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charge sheeted three accused, including a Hyderabad-based doctor, in an alleged ISIS-linked bioterror conspiracy involving plans to carry out mass poisoning attacks using ricin, one of the deadliest known biological toxins.
The chargesheet was filed before a special NIA court in Ahmedabad against:
Dr. Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin from Hyderabad
Azad from Uttar Pradesh
Mohammad Suhel from Uttar Pradesh
According to investigators, the accused were allegedly operating under instructions from foreign-based ISIS handlers and were involved in a larger terror conspiracy linked to biological warfare, illegal weapons procurement, terror funding and recruitment activities.
The accused have been booked under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Arms Act.
According to the NIA chargesheet, the accused allegedly planned to use ricin to carry out mass poisoning attacks in crowded public places as part of the terror organisation’s agenda in India.
Ricin is an extremely toxic biological substance extracted from castor seeds. It is classified under Schedule I of the Chemical Weapons Convention due to its potential use in biological warfare. Even small quantities can be fatal if inhaled, ingested or injected.
Investigators alleged that the conspiracy was designed to spread fear and execute ISIS-inspired terror attacks through biological agents.
The NIA alleged that Dr. Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin, an MBBS graduate from China, played a central role in the conspiracy.
According to investigators, Mohiuddin had allegedly been recruited and guided by foreign ISIS-linked handlers. The agency claimed he was promised the position of ISIS “Amir” of South Asia in return for executing the terror plot.
The chargesheet further alleged that Mohiuddin converted his residence in Hyderabad into a clandestine laboratory where he extracted and prepared ricin from castor seeds.
Investigators said the accused had been actively researching methods to deploy the toxin for large-scale poisoning attacks.
The case was initially detected and investigated by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in November 2025.
According to officials, Mohiuddin was arrested near a toll plaza while allegedly transporting suspicious materials. During the operation, investigators reportedly recovered:
Illegal weapons
A bottle containing four litres of castor oil
Incriminating materials linked to the conspiracy
Following Mohiuddin’s arrest, the Gujarat ATS arrested Azad and Mohammad Suhel on the same day.
The NIA later took over the investigation in January 2026 because of the alleged international terror links and the gravity of the bioterror allegations.
Investigators alleged that Azad and Mohammad Suhel handled logistical operations connected to the terror conspiracy.
According to the NIA, the duo allegedly collected parcels containing terror funds and illegal weapons from a dead-drop location in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. The materials were then allegedly transported to Chhatral in Gujarat, where Mohiuddin would collect them.
The chargesheet further alleged that the accused were involved in:
Coordinating with foreign ISIS handlers
Recruiting vulnerable youth
Managing terror funds
Procuring and transporting illegal weapons
Conducting reconnaissance operations
Recording Bay’ah videos pledging allegiance to ISIS
Preparing ISIS flags and propaganda material
Investigators described Mohammad Suhel as a key communication link between foreign handlers and the local operatives.
The NIA said investigations remain ongoing to identify additional operatives, handlers and associates linked to the alleged ISIS-backed bioterror network.
Officials are also probing the broader extent of the alleged radicalisation and recruitment module connected to the accused.
The case is being viewed as one of India’s most serious alleged ISIS-linked bioterror conspiracies involving ricin and planned mass poisoning attacks.
(Rh/ARC)