The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Friday arrested three individuals, including a China-educated doctor, for allegedly conspiring to execute a major terrorist attack using the deadly biological toxin ricin. Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed from Telangana, along with Azad Suleman Sheikh and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem from Uttar Pradesh, were detained in separate operations across Gandhinagar and Banaskantha districts. Authorities recovered two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, 30 live cartridges, and four litres of castor oil—the primary raw material for ricin production—from Saiyed’s possession.

According to Gujarat ATS DIG Sunil Joshi, Saiyed had already begun chemical processing of ricin after procuring specialised equipment and conducting extensive research. Interrogation revealed that the 30-year-old doctor was in direct contact with Afghanistan-based ISKP handler Abu Khadija and several Pakistani operatives. The trio allegedly received weapon consignments via drone drops across the Pakistan border and had conducted reconnaissance of sensitive locations in Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Lucknow. Joshi described Saiyed as “highly educated and deeply radicalised”, with plans to raise funds and recruit additional members for large-scale attacks.

The two Uttar Pradesh-based suppliers were apprehended after digital evidence from Saiyed’s phone exposed their role in procuring arms from Hanumangadh in Rajasthan. Preliminary investigation confirmed the accused had collected weapons from an isolated site in Kalol, Gandhinagar, before the exchange was scheduled. All three have been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Arms Act. Saiyed has been remanded to ATS custody until November 17, while Sheikh and Saleem were produced before a local court on Sunday.

Also Read: Punjab Police Seize RPG Launcher in Amritsar, Thwart ISI-Linked Terror Plot

The arrests mark a significant interception of a sophisticated cross-border terror module, with investigators now expanding the probe across multiple states to trace funding channels and additional contacts. While direct ISKP involvement remains under verification, authorities have alerted central agencies about the use of drone-delivered arms and the attempted weaponisation of ricin—one of the most lethal naturally occurring toxins—highlighting an escalating threat to national security.

Also Read: India’s First Offshore Wind Farm in Dhanushkodi Raises Environmental and Community Concerns