In a significant anti-terror operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested three individuals, including a Hyderabad-based doctor, for allegedly plotting a terror attack using the deadly poison ricin. The operation, which unfolded on November 7, followed months of surveillance and coordination between multiple state units.
The main accused, 35-year-old Dr. Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed, an MBBS graduate from China, was reportedly planning to develop ricin, a lethal toxin derived from castor seeds. Two men from Uttar Pradesh, Azad Suleman Sheikh (20) from Shamli and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem Khan (23) from Lakhimpur Kheri, were also arrested for their role in supplying arms and assisting in reconnaissance.
During the raid, the ATS seized two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, 30 live cartridges and four litres of castor oil, which is a primary raw material used to extract ricin. Investigators stated that Dr. Saiyed had already begun chemical processing and had acquired equipment and raw materials to produce the poison.
DIG Sunil Joshi of Gujarat ATS confirmed that the group had advanced in their preparations to weaponise the toxin. Ricin, known for its extreme lethality, can kill even in microgram quantities if ingested or inhaled.
The accused reportedly conducted reconnaissance of several crowded places over the past six months, including Azadpur Mandi in Delhi, Naroda Market in Ahmedabad and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) office in Lucknow. These locations were chosen for their high civilian footfall, indicating the intent to cause maximum casualties.
Investigators believe the suspects planned to contaminate public spaces with ricin, which can easily be mixed into food or beverages without immediate detection.
Authorities suspect that the weapons used in the plot were smuggled into India via drones across the Pakistan border. The two Uttar Pradesh accused had earlier travelled to Hanumangarh in Rajasthan to receive the firearms before delivering them to Dr. Saiyed in Hyderabad.
According to officials, the group was operating under the guidance of a handler named Abu Khadija, believed to be based in Afghanistan and associated with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP). The network had communication channels extending across Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Origin: Ricin is a highly toxic poison derived from the beans of the castor plant, the same plant used to produce castor oil.
Forms: It can be manufactured in different forms — as a liquid, dry powder, or crystalline substance.
Intentional Use: Accidental poisoning by ricin is extremely rare. It is considered a chemical weapon because it would typically be used deliberately to cause harm.
Modes of Exposure:
Ingestion: Ricin can poison individuals if mixed into food or water.
Inhalation: When released into the air in powdered or aerosol form, it can be inhaled and cause severe respiratory poisoning.
Injection: It can be used to target a specific person through direct injection, leading to rapid toxicity.
Skin Contact: If dissolved in certain solvents, ricin can be absorbed through the skin, though this is the least common form of exposure.
The ATS is probing whether the group had any local supporters or additional recruits in India. Investigators are also tracing the financial sources used to procure weapons and chemicals. Authorities suspect that small payments were routed through encrypted communication platforms and digital wallets to avoid detection.
All three accused have been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Dr. Saiyed is currently under ATS custody until November 17. Officials are investigating whether the group had already experimented with ricin production and whether any of the poison was successfully synthesized.
Reference:
1. Minnesota Department of Health. “Ricin.” Minnesota Department of Health, updated March 13, 2024. https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/ricin/ricin.html.
(Rh/ARC/MSM)
