Hyderabad: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday (May 5) said it has filed a chargesheet against three individuals accused of links to ISIS, alleging they conspired to carry out mass poisoning attacks in public places using ricin, a highly toxic substance.
The accused, Hyderabad-based Dr. Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin and Uttar Pradesh residents Azad and Mohammad Suhel, have been booked before a special NIA court in Ahmedabad under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Arms Act, Siasat Daily reported.
Investigators indicated that the three were allegedly operating under instructions from foreign handlers associated with the banned outfit. They were suspected of recruiting vulnerable youth and planning to carry out bioterror activities using prohibited materials.
According to the agency, Mohiuddin who is an MBBS graduate from China, had allegedly set up a covert lab at his residence in Hyderabad, where he is believed to have extracted ricin from castor seeds.
Officials said the case was first registered by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad after Mohiuddin was arrested at a toll plaza in November 2025. Authorities reportedly recovered illegal weapons, around four litres of castor oil, and other incriminating materials from him.
Azad and Suhel were also detained the same day, with investigators alleging that they were involved in moving funds and weapons through dead-drop networks across Rajasthan and Gujarat. Suhel, in particular, was described as a key coordinator who allegedly managed communication with foreign handlers and facilitated recruitment, financial transfers, weapons logistics, and even the preparation of ISIS flags.
The agency further claimed that Mohiuddin had been promised the position of “Amir” for South Asia by his handler.
The case, registered as RC-01/2026/NIA/AMD, remains under investigation as officials continue efforts to identify other operatives and overseas links connected to the alleged conspiracy.