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Representational Image: National Investigation Agency (NIA)

New Delhi, May 6: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed charges against three individuals, including a physician, for their alleged roles in a conspiracy linked to ISIS aimed at executing mass poisoning in public areas using a biological toxin.

The individuals charged are Dr. Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin from Hyderabad, along with Azad and Mohammad Suhel from Uttar Pradesh. The charges were presented before a special NIA court located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as stated in an official announcement on Tuesday.

The NIA reported that the accused intended to utilize ricin, a highly lethal toxin derived from castor seeds and categorized under Schedule I of the Chemical Weapons Convention, to advance the 'malicious agenda of ISIS.'

Furthermore, the agency indicated that the trio operated in a synchronized manner under the direction of foreign handlers associated with the Islamic State.

They are accused of recruiting susceptible and radicalized youths to promote jihad and instill fear through the use of banned weapons and bioterrorism.

This case was initially opened by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) after Dr. Mohiuddin, an MBBS graduate from China, was arrested in November 2025.

He was detained at a toll plaza while allegedly in possession of illegal firearms, a bottle containing four liters of castor oil, and other incriminating evidence found in his vehicle.

The ATS's investigation led to the apprehension of the other two suspects on the same day.

The NIA revealed that Azad and Suhel had previously retrieved parcels containing money and illegal weapons from a drop-off point in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, and subsequently delivered them to a location in Chhatral, Gujarat, for Mohiuddin to collect.

After taking over the investigation in January 2026, the NIA reportedly discovered that Mohiuddin had been promised the role of ISIS 'Amir' for South Asia by his handler. The agency alleged that he had converted his residence in Hyderabad into a secret laboratory for ricin production.

Moreover, the NIA claimed that Azad and Suhel knowingly engaged in the conspiracy by maintaining contact with their handlers, receiving and utilizing terror financing, conducting surveillance, and managing illegal arms and ammunition.

According to the agency, Suhel served as a crucial link between the handler and the other accused, facilitating recruitment, coordination, and the management of funds and weapon shipments.

He also allegedly conducted surveillance, recorded Bay'ah (oath of allegiance) videos, and created ISIS flags.