NIA files chargesheet against 3 in alleged ISIS-linked bio-terror plot
The National Investigation Agency has filed a detailed chargesheet before a special NIA court against three accused, including a doctor allegedly linked to the banned terror outfit Islamic State, in connection with an alleged bio-terror conspiracy involving the planned use of ricin poison for a mass-casualty attack.
The chargesheet names Hyderabad-based doctor Syed Ahmed Mohiuddin Abdulqader Jilani, along with Azad Suleman Saifi and Mohammad Suhail (Mohammad Salim Khan), as key accused in the case. Investigators have also submitted documentary evidence, technical material and other supporting records before the court.
According to the investigation agency, the accused were allegedly involved in a conspiracy to produce ricin - a highly toxic biological substance derived from castor seeds - with the alleged intention of carrying out a large-scale terror attack. The NIA has claimed that the main accused, Dr Mohiuddin, who reportedly studied medicine in China, had allegedly converted his Hyderabad residence into a covert laboratory for preparing toxic substances. Investigators further alleged that foreign-based ISIS handlers radicalised him and encouraged him to play a larger operational role in South Asia.
The agency has also accused the other two suspects of assisting in logistics, illegal arms procurement, mobilisation of funds and recruitment of radicalised youth for the alleged conspiracy. Officials stated that the accused were allegedly planning to use ricin, described as an extremely dangerous toxin naturally found in castor beans, in a potential terror strike.
