By Admin 
Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has foiled a dangerous terrorist plot and arrested three suspects, among whom the name of a doctor from Hyderabad is prominent. The gang was allegedly linked to ISIS-Khorasan Province (ISKP) and was planning large-scale chemical attacks in cities like Ahmedabad, Delhi and Lucknow using a deadly poison called ricin.
During the arrests, two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, 30 live cartridges and 4 liters of castor oil (from which ricin is made) were seized.
Result of one year monitoring
ATS Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sunil Joshi told a press conference held in Ahmedabad on Sunday that this action is the result of a year-long intelligence surveillance. On November 7, the ATS team stopped a silver Ford Figo car near Adalaj toll plaza on Ahmedabad-Mehsana highway. The main accused, Dr. Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed (35 years old, resident of Hyderabad), who was traveling in the car, was arrested. Syed holds an MBBS degree from China and was reportedly highly educated but influenced by terrorist ideology.
During investigation, it was revealed that Syed had studied medicine from China. Forensic investigation of its mobile phone and laptop revealed two other accused, who were arrested from Banaskantha district. These are- Azad Suleman Shaikh (20 years, Shahjahanpur) and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Salim Khan (23 years, Lakhimpur Kheri). Joshi said, “These three had come to Gujarat to exchange weapons and were planning terrorist activities related to ricin.” Both the accused from UP are said to have ‘Deeni’ (religious) education, who had collected weapons smuggled from Pakistan through drones from Hanumangarh in Rajasthan.
telegram chat and pakistani handler
During preliminary interrogation, Syed revealed that he was in touch with ‘Abu Khadija’, an Afghanistan-based ISKP handler. This contact was taking place through Telegram app, where Abu Khadija gave him instructions for supply of weapons, funding and recruitment. Syed had allegedly received the weapons sent via drone from the Pakistan-Afghanistan border at a ‘dead drop’ (secret location) from a graveyard in Kalol (Gujarat). Apart from this, he had contacts with many Pakistani citizens, which indicates his connection with ISKP network.
Reiki of many places in Delhi, Lucknow and Ahmedabad
ATS recovered almost a year old call records and messages from Syed’s device, which confirm recce of sensitive places (like government buildings and public places) in Delhi, Lucknow and Ahmedabad. Joshi said, “Syed was planning to collect funds and recruit new members. He had already started the initial process of making ricin, in which research, equipment and raw materials were collected.” It can cause death if swallowed, inhaled or injected and there is no specific treatment available. This poison, included in the international chemical and biological weapons list, can cause mass casualties.
4 liters of castor oil seized from Syed
The 4 liters of castor oil seized from Syed could have produced a sufficient quantity of ricin, which was sufficient for possible attacks. This conspiracy is an example of misuse of toxic substances by medical experts, which reflects the new strategy of global terrorist networks. ATS has started coordination with the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Delhi Police Special Cell and other state police in this case.
Joshi said, “The process of nabbing other suspects is going on with the cooperation of central and state agencies. The direct link with ISKP is the subject of investigation, but the investigation into the international network has intensified.” A case has been registered against the arrested trio under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Indian Justice Code and Arms Act. Syed has been sent to ATS custody till 17 November.
More arrests likely
This case highlights the infiltration of global groups like ISKP in India, who are now targeting educated youth. Experts believe that terrorist networks have become more sophisticated due to drone smuggling and digital communication. The prompt action of the ATS averted a potential tragedy, but it calls for vigilance. There is a possibility of more arrests.
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