NIA Charges Three in ISIS-Linked Ricin Plot

India's National Investigation Agency has filed charges against three men accused of plotting an ISIS-linked bioterror attack involving ricin, a highly toxic substance derived from castor seeds, to poison crowds in public spaces.

The chargesheet, submitted on May 5 to the NIA Special Court in Ahmedabad, names Hyderabad-based doctor Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin, an MBBS graduate from China, and two Uttar Pradesh residents, Azad Suleman Sheikh and Mohammad Suhel Mohammad Saleem Khan. The trio faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Arms Act.

According to the NIA, the accused operated under foreign-based handlers linked to the banned Islamic State group. They recruited vulnerable youth for jihadist activities, handled illegal weapons and terror funds, and planned to deploy ricin, a toxin listed under Schedule 1 of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to cause mass casualties and widespread panic.

The plot unraveled in November 2025 when Gujarat's Anti-Terrorism Squad intercepted Mohiuddin's vehicle at the Adalaj toll plaza. Officers recovered three illegal firearms, four liters of castor oil and other incriminating items. Investigation that day...