NIA chargesheets doctor, two others in ISIS-linked bioterror plot

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, May 6, 2026: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against three individuals, including a doctor, for their alleged involvement in an ISIS-linked conspiracy to carry out mass poisoning in public places using a biological toxin, an official statement said on Tuesday.

The accused — Hyderabad-based Dr. Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin, along with Azad and Mohammad Suhel from Uttar Pradesh — have been chargesheeted before a special NIA court in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

According to the NIA, the trio acted under the guidance of foreign-based ISIS handlers and worked in coordination to recruit vulnerable youth who had been radicalised. Their aim was to support jihad and spread terror using prohibited weapons and bioterrorism.

The agency said the accused planned to use ricin, a highly toxic substance derived from castor seeds and listed under Schedule I of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to execute the plot.

The case was initially registered by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) after the arrest of Dr. Mohiuddin, an MBBS graduate from China, at a toll plaza in November 2025. He was found carrying illegal weapons, a bottle containing four litres of castor oil, and other incriminating materials in his vehicle.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Azad and Suhel on the same day. The probe revealed that the two had earlier collected money and prohibited weapons from a dead-drop location in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, and delivered them to Chhatral, Gujarat, for Mohiuddin.

After taking over the case in January 2026, the NIA found that Mohiuddin had allegedly been promised the role of ISIS “Amir” for South Asia by his handler. He is also accused of converting his residence in Hyderabad into a covert laboratory for preparing ricin.

The agency stated that Azad and Suhel were active participants in the conspiracy, maintaining contact with handlers, managing terror funds, conducting reconnaissance, and handling illegal arms and ammunition.

Suhel, in particular, acted as a key link between the handlers and other accused, facilitating recruitment, coordination, and the transfer of funds and weapons. He also conducted reconnaissance, recorded Bay’ah (oath of allegiance) videos, and prepared ISIS flags, the statement added.