AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat ATS has unearthed a chilling plot involving the production of Ricin, one of the world’s deadliest biological agents. The arrested individuals — identified as Dr. Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed (35) from Hyderabad, Azad Suleman Sheikh (20) from Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem Khan (23) from Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh — were apprehended following weeks of surveillance and intelligence coordination.
MAJOR BIOLOGICAL ATTACK FOILED-
Gujarat ATS unravels Ricin poison terror plot, arrests 'doctor' and two other terrorists with firearms.
It is 6,000 times more lethal than cyanide and has no antidote.
The terrorist with MBBS degree was preparing highly-lethal chemical… pic.twitter.com/C6bK106Cf0
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) November 9, 2025
According to officials, Dr. Saiyed, who holds a medical degree from China, was the key figure in the group, allegedly using his scientific background to guide efforts toward producing Ricin. The ATS seized three pistols, 30 live cartridges, and around four litres of castor oil, a base material from which Ricin is extracted.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the accused had carried out reconnaissance of several sensitive sites in Delhi, Lucknow, and Ahmedabad. “Their objective was to execute a terror strike using biological means,” a senior ATS officer revealed, adding that agencies are now probing potential international connections, including online communication channels used for radicalisation and procurement of materials.
According to the ATS, the individuals had travelled to Gujarat to exchange weapons and were reportedly planning attacks at multiple locations across India. The trio belongs to two separate terror modules, and investigations are ongoing to identify their potential targets and contacts. They had apparently done recce of the RSS office in Lucknow and Azadpur Mandi in Delhi.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Gujarat ATS arrested Dr Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed s/o Abdul Khadar Jeelani, Mohd Suhel s/o Mohd Suleman, Azad s/o Suleman Saifi.
They had been on the Gujarat ATS's radar for the past year. All three were arrested while supplying weapons. They were planning to… pic.twitter.com/mWhVKaf74T
— ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2025
The ATS is now working to gather further information about the suspects’ networks and the locations they intended to strike. Authorities have not disclosed all details, as the investigation is still in progress.
What is Ricin
Experts say Ricin, derived from castor beans (Ricinus communis), is a Schedule-1 substance under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), indicating it has no legitimate industrial or medical use. Even microscopic quantities can be fatal if inhaled, ingested, or injected. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) lists it among the most tightly controlled toxins globally.
Although Ricin has been used in assassination attempts and bioterror threats abroad — including letters sent to U.S. Presidents Barack Obama (2013) and Donald Trump (2020) — its weaponisation poses challenges due to heat sensitivity and difficulty in dispersal.
Officials say the Gujarat ATS is now working with central intelligence agencies to trace any cross-border or digital links and to verify if the group had connections with banned outfits. “This arrest has prevented what could have been a catastrophic terror event,” the officer added
This is not the first time the Gujarat ATS has intercepted major terror plots this year. In July, the team arrested five terrorists linked to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), including a woman from Bengaluru who was operating an online terror module connected to handlers in Pakistan.
The five arrested individuals, Fardin Sheikh, Saifulla Qureshi, Mohammad Faiq, and Zeeshan Ali, were detained on July 22 for promoting extremist AQIS ideologies on social media. During the operation, police recovered a semi-automatic pistol and live ammunition from Zeeshan Ali’s residence in Noida during a follow-up raid, based on information provided by him after questioning. The operation was led by Police Inspector Nikhil Brahmbhatt and Police Sub-Inspector A.R. Chaudhary under the supervision of Deputy Superintendent of Police Virajeetsinh Parmar.
The group is accused of inciting violence under the banner of “Ghazwa-e-Hind,” promoting armed uprisings against India’s elected government, and spreading hatred toward non-Muslims. The ATS has filed cases against them under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
On July 27, the ATS also arrested Shama Parveen from Bengaluru, identified as a key member of the online module. Her arrest provided new leads, and officials continue to investigate the operations and coordination of these terror groups across multiple states.
