In a major counterterror breakthrough, the Gujarat Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a 35 year old doctor from Hyderabad for his alleged role in an Islamic State sponsored terror plot aimed at launching attacks across multiple Indian cities using drone smuggled weapons from Pakistan and materials capable of producing the deadly toxin ricin.
The accused, identified as Dr. Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed, was intercepted near the Adalaj Toll Plaza on the Ahmedabad Mehsana highway following sustained surveillance and intelligence inputs.
During the operation, ATS officers recovered two Glock pistols, a Beretta handgun, 30 live cartridges and approximately four kilograms of castor bean mash a key precursor for producing ricin, one of the most lethal biological agents known to science.
Weapons Smuggled via Drones from Pakistan
According to officials, the seized firearms were air dropped by drones from across the Pakistan border into Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district and later transported to Gujarat. Investigators believe this method demonstrates a growing sophistication among terror operatives, using unmanned aerial systems to bypass conventional border checks.
ISKP Link Established
Authorities revealed that Dr. Saiyed was radicalized online and maintained encrypted contact with an Afghanistan based Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) handler identified as Abu Khadija.
The handler allegedly directed Saiyed to prepare ricin and identify crowded public venues for attacks in major Indian cities.
Two Associates from Uttar Pradesh Detained
Following Saiyed’s arrest, the ATS apprehended two of his alleged associates Azad Suleman Sheikh (20), a tailor from Shamli and Mohammad Suhail Khan (23), a student from Lakhimpur Kheri. Both were located in Banaskantha district, Gujarat.
Investigators said the duo aided in reconnaissance of sensitive sites in Delhi, Lucknow and Ahmedabad, sending photos and coordinates to their foreign handlers.
Bio-Terror Threat Under Scrutiny
Forensic experts have confirmed that the seized castor bean material could be refined into ricin a toxin so potent that even a few micrograms can be fatal if ingested or inhaled.
Officials described the case as a “Serious bio-terror threat”, noting that no known antidote exists for ricin poisoning.
Legal Action and Continuing Probe
The Gujarat ATS has filed charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Arms Act, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Dr. Saiyed has been remanded to ATS custody until November 17, as the investigation expands to trace other suspected cells across Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Authorities are analyzing his Digital records, Bank transactions and Travel history to uncover deeper links with international terror financiers and handlers.
