What Gujarat ATS found at Dr. Ahmed Syed’s home — What we know so far.. News24 –
Reported by – Bhupendra Thakur
India has reported its first case of attempted bioterrorism. Acting on intelligence about weapons procurement near Ahmedabad and Kalol, the Gujarat ATS uncovered a dangerous bioterror plot linked to Pakistan. The case has raised alarms within the central government and security agencies. A joint team from the Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana ATS is now investigating the matter.
Recovery of Ricin?
Gujarat ATS recovered a cache of castor oil from Dr Ahmed Syed. Authorities say castor seeds can produce the deadly biological poison ricin — colourless and odourless, ricin can easily kill if mixed into food or drink. On November 9, the Gujarat ATS arrested three suspected terrorists named Dr. Ahmed Syed, Azad Sheikh, and Mohammad Suhail Salim Khan from near Kalol. Their interrogation yielded significant information. Revelations have been made.
Investigators recovered two Glock pistols, a Beretta pistol and 30 cartridges from the three suspects. They also seized four litres of chemicals used to make ricin. Intelligence showed that suspects in Pakistan used a drone to send the weapons to the Rajasthan border. Interrogation revealed that the three accused were active in India for the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation ISIS-KP (Islamic State of Khorasan Province).
Ahmed Syed, Ricin and ISIS-KP handler Abu Khaleja
The investigation revealed that Abu Khaleja, an ISIS-KP handler based in Pakistan, had taught Ahmed the entire process of making ricin through online chat. If this poison enters a person’s body, it can cause death within 36 to 72 hours.
The ATS says the terror plot involved the production of ricin, a deadly toxin listed among internationally controlled chemical and biological agents. Reports indicate the suspects were involved in plans to develop a biological weapon. The authorities foiled a major terrorist conspiracy linked to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), an ISIS affiliate.
Raid in Hyderabad, Toxic Chemicals Recovered
ATS searched Ahmed Syed’s home in Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, and recovered a large cache of toxic chemicals and several suspicious items. Similarly, searches are underway at the homes of Azad Sheikh and Suhail Khan in Uttar Pradesh. More than 250 photos and videos were recovered from the mobile phones of the three terrorists, showing reconnaissance of several locations, including the Naroda Fruit Market in Ahmedabad, the Fruit Market in Lucknow, and the Fruit Market in Kashmir. Agencies suspect the terrorists were planning a major attack by spreading poison or explosives in these markets. Or, under the guise of Kashmiri apples, they were trying to smuggle explosives or other terrorist material to other states.
Joint investigation by four states begins
Gujarat ATS Along with the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), teams from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana are now conducting an in-depth investigation into the matter. The focus of the investigation is to understand how Pakistani handlers established this bioterror network in India and in which states its sleeper cells may be active.
What is Ricin, ‘toxic substance listed under Schedule 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention
ISIS terror plot: Ricin is extracted from Castor beans (Ricinus communis). Ricin is concentrated from the waste mash after extracting castor oil. It is considered to be highly toxic to humans, even in minor doses. According to various reports, there is no special medicine to cure ricin poisoning. Doctors can only give treatment to relieve symptoms and support the body, such as providing fluids, oxygen, or other care to help the patient survive.
Just 5 milligrams is enough to kill a person. Once ingested, it paralyses the kidneys, liver, and brain. For this reason, ricin has previously been used in espionage and warfare.
Investigation Continues, Central Government Alert
Following the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad’s action, the Central Government has alerted all agencies across the country, considering the case a serious national security threat. Preliminary investigations have revealed that this conspiracy originated in Pakistan and that concrete preparations were underway to launch a biological terror attack in India.