Gujarat ATS Foils Major Terror Plot: MBBS Student Trained in China Planned Chemical Attack Using Ricin Poison

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Ahmedabad: In a major breakthrough, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has claimed to have foiled a large-scale terror plot aimed at causing mass destruction in India. Acting on a confidential intelligence tip, the ATS arrested three suspected terrorists — including a man who had studied MBBS in China and was allegedly plotting a chemical attack using ricin, a deadly toxin derived from castor beans.

According to DIG Sunil Joshi of the Gujarat ATS, the prime accused, Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin, a resident of Hyderabad, was apprehended near the Adalaj toll plaza on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Upon his arrest, the ATS recovered two Glock pistols, one Beretta handgun, 30 live cartridges, and four liters of castor oil — a key substance in the production of the highly lethal ricin poison.

Chemical Terror Plan Linked to ISKP Network

Investigations revealed that Mohiuddin, who completed his medical studies in China, had been in touch with foreign handlers through encrypted online platforms. He was reportedly in direct contact with a Telegram ID named “Abu Khadija”, believed to be associated with the Islamic State–Khorasan Province (ISKP), an Afghanistan-based terror outfit.

DIG Joshi stated, “The accused was attempting to prepare ricin — a chemical poison extracted from castor waste. He had planned to use it to cause mass casualties. The weapon consignment he collected in Kalol was part of the terror plan.”

Two Other Suspects with Religious Extremist Links Arrested

The ATS also arrested two other suspects from Gujarat’s Banaskantha district — identified as Azad Suleman Sheikh from Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Suhail Salim Khan from Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. Both men, according to the ATS, had undergone “Deeni” (religious) training and were deeply radicalized.

DIG Joshi further revealed that the two suspects had conducted reconnaissance missions in crowded areas of Lucknow, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, and their activities had also been traced to Kashmir. They had reportedly received materials from Hanumangarh in Rajasthan and transported them to Kalol for delivery to Mohiuddin.

Ongoing Investigation and National Security Concerns

Authorities have secured a police remand till November 17 for the main accused, while the other two suspects will be presented before court today. The ATS is continuing its probe to trace the wider terror network and identify possible foreign handlers or sleeper cells connected to the plot.

Officials have described the operation as a significant success in preventing a potential biological or chemical terror strike on Indian soil. The seizure of both arms and toxin materials indicates that the accused had planned a multi-pronged attack targeting densely populated areas.

This case underscores the growing threat of radicalization through digital platforms and the potential misuse of medical and chemical knowledge for terror purposes — a matter now being closely monitored by national security agencies.