Pan-India terror plot: Hyd doc among 3 held by Guj ATS

Ahmedabad: Acting on specific intelligence about a plot to launch terror strikes across India, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested three persons, including a Hyderabad doctor, seizing from him two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, and 30 live cartridges.The ATS also found the doctor, Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed (35), in possession of 4 litres of castor oil, believed to be an ingredient of ricin, a highly toxic poison.After analysing Saiyed's mobile phone data, ATS teams detained two more accused — Azad Suleman Sheikh (20), a tailor from Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem Khan (23), a student from Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh.Both were caught in Banaskantha district for allegedly assisting Saiyed and supplying him with firearms and cartridges.The arrests followed an operation led by deputy superintendent of police SL Chaudhary, who received confidential information about Saiyed's movements in Ahmedabad.A silver hatchback was intercepted at the Adalaj toll plaza on the Ahmedabad-Mehsana Road, and ATS officers found Saiyed inside the vehicle.According to ATS officers, Saiyed was in contact with a handler named Abu Khadija, an Afghanistan-based operative linked to the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (ISKP).Preliminary interrogation revealed that Saiyed began preparing ricin after procuring materials and conducting chemical research. He also allegedly maintained contact with individuals from Pakistan and obtained his MBBS degree from China.Investigators said the accused harboured extremist ideology and earlier obtained a cache of weapons from Hanumangarh in Rajasthan. They also allegedly conducted reconnaissance of sensitive sites in Lucknow, Delhi, and Ahmedabad.During questioning, the accused said that their handler's drones from Pakistan delivered arms.An FIR was registered on Nov 8 at the ATS police station against Saiyed, Sheikh, and Saleem Khan, along with wanted accused Abu Khadija, under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Arms Act.Saiyed was produced at a local court, which granted the ATS his remand till Nov 17. Officials said further investigation is underway to identify and arrest other operatives involved in the conspiracy. The other accused will be produced in court.