Saturday, March 29, 2025
Ahmedabad, November 21, 2025:
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has uncovered a major ISIS-linked plot to carry out nationwide chemical attacks using the deadly toxin ricin. Officials revealed that the module had already sourced materials and prepared the poison, with multiple arrests made—including that of a Hyderabad-based doctor.
According to ATS investigators, the module was preparing to deploy ricin, an extremely toxic biological agent extracted from castor seeds, capable of killing through inhalation, ingestion, or injection. The group allegedly planned coordinated attacks across India.
The prime suspect, Ahmed Saeed Moinuddin, was spotted on the evening of November 7 outside Hotel Grand Ambience in Ahmedabad. Officials believe he arrived in the city to assemble weapons and collect critical components for the planned attack. Moinuddin, a medical graduate who studied MBBS in China, reportedly has a detailed extremist profile linked to ISIS.
Another module member, Mohammad Suhail from Lakhimpur, Uttar Pradesh, was found with black ISIS flags and incriminating material. ATS also seized documents and digital tools used to maintain encrypted communication between handlers and operatives.
During a raid on Moinuddin’s home in Hyderabad, ATS recovered items commonly associated with ricin extraction, including:
3 kilograms of castor pulp
5 liters of acetone
A cold-press oil extraction machine
Receipt for acetone delivery
Moinuddin’s brother, Umar, told officials that he believed these items were part of a “project” assigned during his brother’s medical studies. He claimed ignorance regarding the lethal nature of ricin or any malicious intent.
Ricin is a highly potent natural toxin derived from castor beans. Even microscopic quantities can be fatal, and experts classify it as a potential biological weapon. There is no antidote for ricin poisoning. The toxin can cause death if inhaled, injected, or swallowed.
The Gujarat ATS recently arrested three operatives connected to the module and detained the Hyderabad doctor for further questioning. Officials say the dismantling of this cell prevented a catastrophic attack that could have caused mass casualties.
The investigation is ongoing as intelligence agencies work to identify cross-border handlers and additional operatives linked to the plot.
