The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested three individuals, including a doctor holding a ‘Chinese medical degree’, for their alleged links to the Islamic State (ISIS) and a suspected plot to carry out a terror attack in India, according to media reports.
The accused, identified as Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed, 35, Azad Suleman Sheikh, 20, and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem Khan, 23, allegedly attempted to produce Ricin, a highly lethal toxin listed as a chemical and biological weapon.
Two of the suspects are reportedly from Uttar Pradesh, while one hails from Hyderabad.
The ATS said the suspects had conducted reconnaissance of sensitive locations in Lucknow, Delhi, and Ahmedabad as part of their alleged plan.
During the operation, authorities seized three pistols, 30 live cartridges, and nearly four litres of castor oil.
ATS Deputy Inspector General Sunil Joshi told reporters that the investigation began after Deputy SP S L Chaudhary received confidential information about a suspect, Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed from Hyderabad, who was allegedly involved in a terror conspiracy.
Joshi said a team led by ATS SP K Siddharth intercepted a vehicle near Adalaj Toll Plaza on the Ahmedabad–Mehsana Road.
“Upon checking the vehicle driven by Saiyed, the team found two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, 30 live cartridges, and castor oil stored in a 10-litre plastic container,” he was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
Saiyed reportedly confessed during questioning to being “actively involved in a plan to carry out a terrorist attack,” the ATS officer added.
“He had allegedly obtained the cache of weapons from a deserted location (dead drop) near Kalol (Gujarat). According to Saiyed, his handler is a person named Abu Khadija, a resident of Afghanistan and is associated with the ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province). Saiyed was in contact with several individuals from Pakistan,” the DIG said.
“Saiyed was preparing a highly lethal poison named ‘Ryzin’ (Ricin). For this, he began research, procured equipment, raw materials, and initiated the initial chemical processing required for its preparation. It was also found that this individual obtained an ‘MBBS degree’ from China,” Joshi said.
All the arrested persons and Abu Khadija, were booked under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Arms Act on November 8.
Saiyed has been sent to police custody till November 17.
As per the New York State Department of Health website, Ricin (rye-sin) is a chemical poison and can be made from the waste material left over from processing castor beans. Ricin is used as a terrorism agent and accidental exposure to ricin is highly unlikely.
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