The National Investigation Agency has submitted a chargesheet against three individuals accused of links with the Islamic State, alleging their involvement in a bioterror plot aimed at poisoning people in crowded public areas across India.
According to the agency, the accused were acting on instructions from foreign-based ISIS handlers and worked together to recruit vulnerable youth who had been radicalized. Their plan involved spreading terror through banned weapons and biological means. Investigators said the group intended to use ricin, a highly toxic substance derived from castor seeds and classified under Schedule I of the Chemical Weapons Convention, as part of their plot.
The case was first registered by the Gujarat Anti-Terror Squad after the arrest of Dr. Mohiuddin, who had completed his MBBS in China. He was intercepted at a toll plaza in November 2025 while carrying illegal weapons, a container holding four liters of castor oil, and other suspicious materials.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two more accused on the same day. Authorities said Azad and Suhel had earlier collected cash and prohibited weapons from a dead drop location in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, and transported them to Chhatral in Gujarat for Mohiuddin.
When the NIA took over the probe in January 2026, it found that Mohiuddin had been drawn into the conspiracy by promises from his handler that he would be made an ISIS Amir for South Asia. Investigators also discovered that he had set up a covert lab at his residence in Hyderabad to extract ricin from castor seeds.
The agency stated that the other two accused were aware of the conspiracy and played active roles. Their involvement included staying in contact with handlers, handling funds linked to terror activities, carrying out reconnaissance, pledging allegiance, and sourcing illegal arms and ammunition.
Suhel, in particular, was identified as a key operative who connected the handler with other members. Officials said he managed funds, coordinated logistics, transported weapons, conducted reconnaissance, and was involved in recording oaths of allegiance and preparing ISIS flags.
