A 35-year-old doctor from Hyderabad, identified as Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed, was arrested on Saturday by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for his alleged role in an Islamic State (IS)-sponsored terror plot to attack multiple cities across India.
The arrest also led investigators to two other suspects from Uttar Pradesh. According to officials, Saiyed was caught at the Adalaj toll plaza near Ahmedabad while travelling in a silver hatchback, TOI reported.
Following his arrest, the ATS traced Azad Suleman Sheikh (20), a tailor from Shamli, and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem Khan (23), a student from Lakhimpur Kheri. Both men were allegedly helping supply weapons and ammunition to Saiyed. The two were detained in Banaskantha district, and investigations revealed that the weapons originated from Hanumangarh in Rajasthan.
During the search, police found two Glock pistols, a Beretta, 30 live cartridges, and 4 kg of castor-bean mash, a substance used to produce ricin, one of the world’s most dangerous toxins.
The doctor, who allegedly completed his MBBS degree in China, is believed to have been preparing ricin in large quantities for possible use in a mass poisoning attack.
According to the police, the Hyderabad doctor had been in touch with Abu Khadija, an Afghanistan-based operative associated with Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP). The group is known for spreading extremist activities in South and Central Asia. The officials believe that Khadija coordinated with the arrested men and arranged for weapons to be smuggled from Pakistan using drones.
Ricin is a highly toxic poison derived from castor beans after the oil has been extracted. The substance has no known antidote if ingested, inhaled or injected. Castor oil, which is used for skincare and in various commercial products, does not contain the toxin.
Gujarat ATS deputy SP S L Chaudhary led the operation based on intelligence inputs about the doctor’s suspicious activities. An FIR has been filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act against all three accused and Abu Khadija, who remains absconding.
A local court has sent Saiyed to ATS custody till November 17, while the two UP suspects will be produced separately. Officials said more arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
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