Lucknow, Not Delhi, Was Alleged First Target — Terror Plot Reportedly Planned Using Ricin; Three Arrested in Gujarat

Lucknow/Gandhinagar: As investigations into the recent terror incidents continue, security agencies say the plot’s original target may have been Lucknow, not Delhi. Arrests made by Gujarat ATS have reportedly uncovered reconnaissance activity across multiple cities and a plan to use ricin, a deadly biological toxin, to carry out mass casualties. Authorities have stepped up security across Uttar Pradesh while probes intensify into alleged cross-state links.

Gujarat ATS Arrests Three Suspects
Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) says it arrested three suspected militants near the Adalaj toll plaza on November 9 after a year-long surveillance operation. The detainees are identified as Dr. Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed (Hyderabad) and Uttar Pradesh residents Mohammad Suhel Salim Khan (Lakhimpur Kheri) and Azad Suleman Sheikh (Shamli). The ATS allegedly recovered two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, 30 live rounds and four litres of castor oil — a substance that can be used in the production of ricin. Investigators say the group carried out reconnaissance in Lucknow, Delhi and Ahmedabad.

Ricin Plot and Reconnaissance of Lucknow Sites
According to ATS officials quoted by investigators, the suspects planned to weaponize ricin as a “silent” biological agent and had scouted religious, cultural and tourist sites in Lucknow as potential targets. Early probe material also indicates possible arms supply links from across the border, and encrypted communications with foreign numbers are under forensic examination. Cyber and intelligence teams are analysing digital evidence for international connections.

Alleged Mastermind and Logistics
Officials named Dr. Syed as the suspected mastermind; he reportedly studied medical education in China. Interrogation has revealed that two of the accused sourced weapons from Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, which were later provided to Syed, the ATS said. Following these developments, the Uttar Pradesh ATS has launched raids across the state to detain associates and trace the network.

Wider Investigations Under Way
Security agencies are also questioning other suspects arrested elsewhere, including a woman doctor from Faridabad, Dr. Shaheen Shahid, and her brother Dr. Parvez Shahid Ansari, to determine any links with the module. The probe now spans multiple states, with coordination between Gujarat ATS, UP ATS, and central intelligence units. Officials say efforts are focused on mapping the entire network to pre-empt any further threat.

State Response and Precautions
On directions from the Director General of Police, UP has tightened security along state borders and increased surveillance in sensitive locations. Law enforcement agencies have drawn up lists of potential high-risk sites and are maintaining heightened checks at major public spaces. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity while investigators pursue all leads.

Caveat: Investigation Ongoing
Officials emphasise that inquiries remain at a sensitive and developing stage. The details emerging from initial arrests and interrogations are being verified, and agencies caution against drawing premature conclusions until forensic and technical analyses are complete.