Gujarat ATS arrests three ISIS-linked terrorists plotting bio terror attacks in India. [Photo: PTI]
In a major development, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has exposed a chilling terror plot involving biological weapons. Investigators revealed that three suspected ISIS-linked terrorists arrested on Sunday were in constant contact with their handlers in Pakistan.
The Gujarat ATS, with the help of ATS teams from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana, is now conducting a detailed investigation into the cross-border conspiracy.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Dr Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed (35) from Hyderabad, Azad Suleman Shaikh (20) from Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Suhail alias Mohammad Salim Khan (23) from Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. Officials said the trio had planned to carry out large-scale terror attacks across India.
Preliminary investigation shows that the plan to unleash biological terrorism originated in Pakistan. The network aimed to use the chemical poison ricin to contaminate food and water in crowded public places.
According to sources, the Pakistani handler helped establish this bio-terror network across Indian states using encrypted communication channels.
The Gujarat ATS found that weapons were delivered by drones from Pakistan across the Rajasthan border. The suspects received training and instructions online from a Pakistan-based ISIS-KP handler identified as Abdul Khadija, who reportedly taught Dr Ahmed Syed the process of making ricin.
Investigators said the accused had travelled through Hanumangarh in Rajasthan before their arrest. Following this revelation, the Rajasthan ATS has sent a team to Gujarat to coordinate the probe.
Officials said, “The Rajasthan ATS team is now helping Gujarat Police track local handlers, arms suppliers, and sleeper cells operating in the region.”
During interrogation, the suspects admitted to conducting recce in Delhi’s Azad Mandi and other crowded markets in Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Kashmir.
Agencies believe that the group planned to mix poison in food or water and spread it through public markets. They also suspect that the terrorists intended to smuggle explosives disguised as Kashmiri apples.
Officials confirmed this is India’s first registered case of attempted bioterrorism. Acting on intelligence inputs about weapon purchases near Ahmedabad and Kalol, Gujarat, ATS uncovered the plot and seized dangerous chemicals.
After the Delhi Red Fort blast, investigators raided Dr Ahmed Syed’s house in Hyderabad and recovered toxic chemicals, electronic devices, and suspicious materials. Similar searches were carried out at the residences of the other two suspects.
Over 250 videos and photos were recovered from their mobile phones, revealing multiple locations under surveillance.
The ATS is now probing the group’s connection with terrorists arrested in the last five years. Security agencies across states have been alerted, and digital communications linked to Pakistan handlers are under close watch.
This shocking case has raised alarms about the rising use of bioterror methods and drone-based smuggling by Pakistan-backed terror networks in India.
