NIA charges three in ISIS-linked bioterror plot

New Delhi, May 5 The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday filed a charge sheet against three men accused of plotting a bioterror attack linked to the banned terror organisation ISIS.

The conspiracy, according to investigators, aimed at mass poisoning of people in public spaces using ricin, a deadly biological toxin derived from castor seeds and listed under Schedule I of the Chemical Weapons Convention.

The main accused, Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin from Hyderabad, along with co-accused Azad and Mohammad Suhel from Uttar Pradesh, have been charge sheeted before the NIA Special Court in Ahmedabad under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, relevant provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Arms Act.

Investigators revealed that the accused were working under the guidance of foreign-based ISIS handlers and had coordinated efforts to recruit vulnerable youth, spread terror, and prepare for bioterror strikes.

The case originated in November 2025 when Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Mohiuddin at a toll plaza. He was found carrying illegal weapons, four litres of castor oil, and other incriminating materials in his car.

The ATS investigation led to the arrest of Azad and Suhel the same day. They had earlier collected money and prohibited weapons from a dead-drop site in Rajasthan's Hanumangarh and delivered them to Gujarat's Chhatral for Mohiuddin.

When NIA took over the case in January 2026, it uncovered that Mohiuddin had been promised the position of ISIS Amir of South Asia by his handler.

He had converted his Hyderabad residence into a secret laboratory to prepare ricin from castor seeds.

The other two accused were found to have actively participated in the conspiracy by maintaining contact with handlers, handling funds, conducting reconnaissance, and managing illegal arms consignments.

Suhel, in particular, acted as a crucial link between the handler and co-accused, coordinating recruitment, distributing funds, and even preparing ISIS flags while recording the Bay'ah, or oath of allegiance.

The charge sheet underscores the seriousness of the plot, which could have led to mass casualties had it succeeded.

The NIA continues its investigation under case to trace the handlers and other individuals involved in the conspiracy.

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