NIA charges Hyderabad doctor in alleged ISIS ricin plot targeting public spaces

The chargesheet was submitted before a special NIA court in Ahmedabad.

Investigators alleged that the accused were part of a coordinated extremist network operating under instructions from handlers associated with the Islamic State.

According to the NIA, the accused include Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin, along with Azad and Mohammad Suhel, both residents of Uttar Pradesh.

The agency alleged that the trio collaborated to recruit radicalised individuals and support extremist activities through the use of banned weapons and biological agents.

Investigators claimed the group aimed to spread fear by deploying unconventional terror methods, including the use of toxic substances.

Alleged poisoning plot

The NIA stated that the accused allegedly planned to use ricin, a deadly toxin extracted from castor seeds and listed under Schedule I of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Officials described ricin as highly dangerous even in minimal quantities and alleged that the substance was intended for use in public poisoning attacks.

The agency termed the alleged operation part of the “nefarious agenda” of ISIS-linked operatives attempting to expand extremist activities in India.

The case first surfaced in November 2025 when the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested Mohiuddin at a toll plaza in Gujarat.

According to investigators, officials recovered illegal weapons, suspicious materials and a container carrying four litres of castor oil from his vehicle during the operation.

Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Azad and Suhel on the same day.

Investigators alleged that Azad and Suhel collected consignments containing cash and prohibited weapons from a dead-drop location in Hanumangarh.

The materials were allegedly transported and deposited at another location in Chhatral for Mohiuddin to retrieve.

Officials claimed the movement of money, arms and suspicious materials formed part of a broader underground support system linked to extremist operations.

After taking over the investigation in January 2026, the NIA said it uncovered deeper operational links within the alleged module.

Investigators claimed Mohiuddin had been promised the position of ISIS “Amir” for South Asia by a foreign-based handler connected to the terror outfit.

The agency further alleged that Mohiuddin converted his residence in Hyderabad into a covert facility for preparing ricin.

According to the NIA, Azad and Suhel were fully aware of the larger conspiracy and actively participated in multiple operational activities.

Investigators alleged that the pair handled communications with foreign handlers, coordinated logistics, managed terror-linked funds and conducted reconnaissance activities.

The agency identified Suhel as a significant intermediary within the alleged network.

Officials claimed he assisted with recruitment efforts, coordinated deliveries of funds and weapons, recorded Bay’ah or oath-of-allegiance videos, and prepared ISIS flags.

Concerns over bioterrorism methods

The investigation has raised concerns among security agencies over the possible use of biological toxins and unconventional methods in extremist plots.

Officials believe the accused were attempting to create an organised network that combined radicalisation, covert logistics, illegal arms movement and chemical threats.

The case is currently before the special NIA court in Ahmedabad, where further legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks.