NIA Files Charges Against Trio in ISIS-Linked Poisoning Plot
Charges Filed in ISIS Conspiracy Case
Representational Image: National Investigation Agency (NIA)
New Delhi, May 6: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against three individuals, including a physician, for their suspected roles in a conspiracy linked to ISIS aimed at executing mass poisoning in public areas using a biological toxin.
The individuals charged are Dr. Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin from Hyderabad, along with his associates Azad and Mohammad Suhel from Uttar Pradesh. The charges were presented to a special NIA court located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as per an official announcement made on Tuesday.
The NIA's investigation revealed that the accused intended to utilize ricin, a potent toxin derived from castor seeds and categorized under Schedule I of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to advance the “malicious agenda of ISIS.”
Furthermore, the agency indicated that the trio operated in a synchronized manner under the supervision of overseas handlers associated with the Islamic State.
They are accused of recruiting susceptible and radicalized youth to promote jihad and instigate terror through the use of banned weapons and bioterrorism.
This case was initially opened by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) after Dr. Mohiuddin, an MBBS graduate from China, was detained in November 2025.
He was caught at a toll plaza while allegedly in possession of illegal firearms, a bottle containing four liters of castor oil, and other incriminating evidence found in his vehicle.
The ATS's investigation led to the immediate arrest of the other two suspects on the same day.
The NIA reported that Azad and Suhel had previously retrieved parcels containing cash and prohibited weapons from a drop-off point in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, and subsequently delivered them to a location in Chhatral, Gujarat, for Mohiuddin to collect.
After assuming control of the investigation in January 2026, the NIA purportedly discovered that Mohiuddin had been promised the role of ISIS “Amir” for South Asia by his handler. The agency alleged that he had transformed his residence in Hyderabad into a secret laboratory for ricin production.
Moreover, the NIA claimed that Azad and Suhel were complicit in the conspiracy by maintaining contact with their handlers, receiving and utilizing funds for terrorism, conducting surveillance, and managing illegal arms and ammunition.
According to the agency, Suhel served as a crucial link between the handler and the other accused, facilitating recruitment, coordination, and the management of funds and weapon shipments. He also allegedly conducted reconnaissance, recorded Bay'ah (oath of allegiance) videos, and created ISIS flags.