ATS seizes ricin stash from Hyderabad apartment
HYDERABAD: A special team of the Ahmedabad Anti-Terrorist Squad on Thursday seized a large quantity of ricin from an apartment in Rajendranagar, after re-arresting ISIS linked suspect Ahmed Mohiuddin Sayed. Officers said the poison, stored in barrels, is among the world’s deadliest substances.
Suspect admits 15-year study of ricin
ATS officials said Ahmed revealed during interrogation that he had researched ricin for 15 years. Extracted from seeds of the castor oil plant, the toxin can be fatal in microgram doses. Investigators recovered his laptop and retrieved online searches detailing how ricin enters human cells, blocks protein synthesis and causes organ failure.
Plan to poison water tanks in multiple cities
According to officers, Ahmed confessed to a plot to supply ricin to other outfits for large-scale attacks. He allegedly planned to contaminate water tanks in temples across Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Delhi and Gujarat.
Originally from Khilla area in Khammam district, Ahmed came to Hyderabad 15 years ago and later studied MBBS in China. He reportedly asked professors about ricin during his medical course. After returning to India, he rented a flat at Asad Manzil in Fort View Colony, Tolichowki, from where he is believed to have conducted reconnaissance of religious places in Hyderabad.
Raw materials ordered via encrypted channels
Analysis of his mobile phone and laptop showed that Ahmed posed as a medical researcher to place online orders for castor seeds and other materials from Bengaluru through encrypted applications. He avoided using a SIM card and relied completely on encrypted channels for communication. Investigators said he explored using a drone to contact other terrorists and deliver ricin-based material.
ATS warns family against touching belongings
ATS officials cautioned Ahmed’s family members, including his brother, not to handle any of his belongings due to possible contamination. Local police said they were not informed about the ATS operation. A probe is underway to trace Ahmed’s network, digital transactions and possible associates across Hyderabad and other metro cities.
