Gujarat ATS raids Hyderabad doctor’s residence in ‘terror conspiracy’ probe

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Tuesday night carried out extensive searches at the residence of Ahmed Mohiuddin Saiyed, a Rajendranagar-based doctor, identified as the prime accused in a terror conspiracy involving chemical weapons and links to an international network.

The searches, conducted at his house in Fort View Colony, Upparpally, are a part of the ongoing probe into the plot to develop ricin, a lethal toxin derived from castor beans. This is the same residence where the doctor lives with his family and allegedly left on November 6 citing ‘business-related work’. Rajendranagar police provided logistical support during the operation as Gujarat ATS team examined the premises and questioned family members about the accused’s activities.

Sources said certain machines were seized from the residence, and an official panchnama was prepared documenting the materials recovered.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ricin is a highly toxic substance derived from castor beans, produced as a byproduct during the extraction of castor oil. While the oil itself contains negligible traces of the toxin, the waste material left after processing can be refined to produce ricin. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) classifies ricin as a ‘Schedule 1’ chemical under the Chemical Weapons Convention, placing it among the most strictly controlled substances due to its potential use in biological or chemical attacks.

The operation followed the arrest of Dr. Mohiuddin and two others, identified as Azad Suleman Sheikh and Mohammed Suhail Mohammad Saleem from Uttar Pradesh, by the Gujarat ATS in Gandhinagar on November 9. Investigators said the accused were involved in arms procurement and developing ricin for potential terror strikes. The officials seized firearms, live rounds and four litres of castor oil from them. The three-member gang is also alleged to have conducted reconnaissance in Lucknow, Delhi and Ahmedabad.

Dr. Mohiuddin, who holds an MBBS degree from China, remains in custody as investigations into his suspected network and the extent of the planned operation continue.