New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has chargesheeted three accused persons for their alleged involvement in an ISIS-linked jihadi bioterrorism conspiracy aimed at carrying out mass poisoning in public spaces.
According to an official NIA press release, the accused include Hyderabad-based doctor Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin, along with co-accused Azad and Mohammad Suhel, both residents of Uttar Pradesh. The chargesheet has been filed before a special NIA court in Ahmedabad under relevant provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Arms Act.
Investigations revealed that the accused were operating under the guidance of foreign-based ISIS handlers and were part of a coordinated effort to recruit vulnerable youth and promote terror activities. The group had allegedly planned to use ‘ricin’, a highly toxic biological substance derived from castor seeds, to execute mass poisoning attacks.
The case was initially registered by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) following the arrest of Mohiuddin in November 2025. He was apprehended at a toll plaza with illegal weapons, castor oil, and other incriminating materials. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the other two accused, who were found to have facilitated logistics, including the transfer of funds and weapons.
NIA officials stated that Mohiuddin had also set up a clandestine laboratory at his residence in Hyderabad to prepare ricin. He was reportedly motivated by promises of being appointed as an ISIS ‘Amir’ for South Asia.
Further probe indicated that the co-accused maintained contact with handlers, conducted reconnaissance, arranged funds and weapons, and assisted in recruitment and coordination. One of them allegedly acted as a key link in managing finances and illegal consignments.
The NIA said that investigations in the case are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the conspiracy.(KNC)
