Crime
NIA Chargesheets Three, Including Doctor, in ISIS-Linked Bioterror Plot
Accused allegedly planned mass poisoning in public spaces under guidance of foreign handlers
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against three accused persons linked to the banned Islamic State (ISIS) in connection with a jihadi bioterrorism conspiracy aimed at carrying out mass poisoning in public places.
The main accused, Dr Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin, along with co-accused Azad and Mohammad Suhel from Uttar Pradesh, have been chargesheeted before a special NIA court in Ahmedabad under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Arms Act.
According to the agency, the accused were acting under the guidance of foreign-based handlers linked to ISIS and had formed a coordinated network to recruit vulnerable youth, radicalise them, and spread terror using prohibited weapons and bioterror methods. Investigators revealed that the group planned to use ‘ricin’, a highly toxic biological substance derived from castor seeds and listed under Schedule I of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to execute the plot.
The case was initially registered by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) after Dr Mohiuddin, an MBBS graduate from China, was arrested at a toll plaza in November 2025 with illegal weapons and suspicious materials, including castor oil. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the other accused, who were allegedly involved in handling funds, transporting weapons, and coordinating logistics through dead-drop locations across states such as Rajasthan and Gujarat.
After taking over the probe in January 2026, the NIA found that Mohiuddin had allegedly set up a clandestine laboratory at his residence in Hyderabad to extract ricin. He was reportedly promised a leadership role as an ISIS ‘Amir’ in South Asia by his handlers.
The agency further stated that co-accused Mohammad Suhel acted as a key link between handlers and operatives, managing recruitment, finances, and weapons movement. Both Suhel and Azad were also involved in reconnaissance, handling illegal arms, and facilitating terror-related activities.
Investigations are ongoing as the NIA continues efforts to identify and track foreign handlers and other individuals involved in the conspiracy.