Hyderabad doctor, two Uttar Pradesh men held in Gujarat for ISIS-inspired terror plot

In one of its most significant counter-terrorism operations in recent years, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested three men, including a Hyderabad-based doctor, for allegedly plotting to carry out terrorist attacks at multiple locations across India. The accused, believed to be linked to ISIS-inspired modules, were allegedly working on developing a deadly toxin and had procured sophisticated firearms smuggled from across the Pakistan border.

The arrests were made on Friday (November 8) near Adalaj in Gandhinagar, following a year-long surveillance operation by the Gujarat ATS. The arrested individuals have been identified as Dr Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed (35), a medical practitioner from Hyderabad; Azad Suleman Sheikh (20), a tailor from Shamli district in Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Salim Khan (23), a student from Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh.

The tip-off and the operation

According to officials, ATS Superintendent of Police S L Chaudhary received a confidential input that a man from Hyderabad, identified as Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed, was involved in a conspiracy to carry out a terrorist attack in India and was currently in Ahmedabad. Acting on the information, Chaudhary alerted senior officials, following which Superintendent of Police K Siddhartha directed an immediate investigation and constituted a team.

Based on technical surveillance and field inputs, the team tracked a silver-coloured Ford Figo on the Ahmedabad–Mehsana Highway near the Adalaj Toll Plaza. The car was intercepted, and Syed was found inside.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of two Glock pistols, one Beretta pistol, 30 live cartridges, and a 10-litre plastic canister containing approximately four litres of castor oil, believed to be used in chemical preparation.

The plot and international links

During preliminary questioning, Syed allegedly confessed to being in touch with Abu Khadija, an Afghanistan-based operative of the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISKP). He also admitted to having links with several Pakistan-based handlers. According to investigators, Syed revealed that he had retrieved the seized weapons from a graveyard near Kalol, as part of an organised arms exchange network.

Officials said Syed, who holds an MBBS degree from China, had conducted research and begun preparing a highly potent poison, Ricin, using castor oil as a base ingredient. The toxin was allegedly intended for use in a “major terrorist incident”. He had procured laboratory materials, chemical equipment and raw ingredients for the process, ATS officials said.

Arms supplied via drones from Pakistan

Following Syed’s interrogation, the ATS launched simultaneous operations in Banaskantha, where two of his associates, Azad Suleman Sheikh and Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Salim, were detained. Both are residents of Uttar Pradesh and are suspected to have supplied Syed with weapons and logistical support.

Investigators said the duo had travelled to Hanumangarh in Rajasthan to collect a cache of weapons allegedly dropped by drones from across the Pakistan border, before transporting them to Gujarat. The ATS has recovered several digital devices and communication records that indicate the group’s contact with foreign handlers.

Reconnaissance in Delhi, Lucknow and Ahmedabad

During interrogation, the accused reportedly informed investigators that they had conducted reconnaissance of several sensitive locations in Lucknow, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, including government buildings and public spaces. Officials believe that the trio was part of two separate but interlinked terror modules, which were in the process of consolidating their operations within India.

A senior ATS officer said, “They had come to Gujarat to exchange weapons. They planned to carry out terrorist attacks in India. All three had been under the surveillance of Gujarat ATS for nearly a year. The arrested men are part of two different modules with links to international terror outfits.”

Based on the findings, the ATS registered a case in the matter, and the accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act.

Syed was produced before a local court and remanded in ATS custody till November 17, 2025. Sheikh and Khan were also arrested and are currently being interrogated to identify other members of their network.

Profiles of the arrested men

1. Dr Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed (35) — Doctor, resident of Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana.

2. Azad Suleman Sheikh (20) — Tailor, resident of District Shamli, Uttar Pradesh.

3. Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Salim Khan (23) — Student, resident of District Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh.

Officials said the ATS is now examining whether the accused had any direct operational links with ISIS or ISKP, and if similar modules were active in other parts of the country. The squad is also coordinating with central intelligence agencies to trace Abu Khadija and identify the source of funding and logistical support for the group.