Hyderabad Doctor Among Three Arrested in Foiled Ricin and Arms Terror Plot

In a significant national security operation, the Gujarat Anti‑Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested three individuals, including a Hyderabad‑based doctor, in connection with a terror plot involving smuggled arms and the deadly toxin ricin. The arrests highlight evolving tactics of terror networks and the increasing challenge for law enforcement in India’s Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.

The main accused, 35‑year‑old Dr. Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed, hailing from Hyderabad and holding an MBBS degree from China, was apprehended near Ahmedabad with two Glock pistols, one Beretta, 30 live cartridges, and precursor materials for ricin. Investigators say four litres of castor oil — used to manufacture ricin — were also recovered. Two other suspects, students from Uttar Pradesh, were arrested following data retrieved from the doctor’s mobile phone. They reportedly aided the arms supply chain and carried out reconnaissance of sensitive sites including Delhi, Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

Authorities say the operation involved sophisticated smuggling: arms were allegedly delivered via drones from across the Pakistan border. The suspected handler, Abu Khadija, is alleged to be affiliated with the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and based in Afghanistan. These factors underscore the complexity of the network and challenge India’s security apparatus.

Preliminary interrogation indicates the accused were plotting attacks in crowded public spaces and strategic locations. With ricin – a toxin with no widely available antidote – they aimed at high‑impact, mass casualty events. The duo from UP had conducted detailed site visits of places in Delhi and Lucknow, according to ATS officials.

For metropolises like Delhi and Ahmedabad—and rapidly growing Tier 2 cities—the arrest is a wake‑up call. Urban centres often serve as focal points for complex terror plots due to population density and symbolic spaces. The use of chemical agents elevates risk levels and underscores the need for tighter coordination between state policing and central intelligence in both large and mid‑sized Indian cities.

The ATS has registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Arms Act and Indian Penal Code sections. Dr. Saiyed and his associates are under remand as authorities trace further network links and funding sources. The presence of digital footprints and drone‑based delivery channels suggest a next‑generation threat model requiring advanced forensic and counter‑terror capabilities.

For citizens in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, this incident highlights the evolving nature of terror threats—from firearm attacks to chemical weaponisation. Vigilance, timely intelligence, and public‑private coordination are critical for safeguarding urban centres. Residents are urged to report suspicious drone activity, unusual chemical procurement, or strangers conducting detailed reconnaissance.

The foiling of this terror plot is a serious achievement for India’s security apparatus, but it also signals a shift. Terror networks are increasingly adapting with chemical weapons, drone logistics and cross‑border coordination. For urban India, especially in fast‑growing cities, the challenge is two‑fold: strengthening on‑ground vigilance and bolstering intelligence architecture to stay ahead of evolving threats.