Gujarat ATS Discovers Ricin Production Materials at Hyderabad Doctor's Residence: Potential Biological Weapon Threat Uncovered

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad suspects Dr. Ahmed was involved in a plan to utilize ricin as a biological weapon.

Hyderabad:

On Thursday, Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) officials conducted a raid in Hyderabad, where they discovered and seized materials directly connected to the production of ricin, considered one of the deadliest biological toxins worldwide.

The raid was directed at the home of Dr. Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyyad, one of three individuals arrested by the Gujarat ATS in this case.

During the early Wednesday morning operation, approximately 10-12 ATS officers confiscated several critical items used in extracting this lethal substance.

Omer Farooq, the brother of Dr. Ahmed who is studying to become a Muslim cleric, stated that the ATS team seized "incriminating" materials from their residence. These included 3 kilograms of castor pulp (the primary ingredient for ricin production), 5 liters of acetone (a solvent commonly used in extraction processes), a cold press oil extraction machine, a tub where castor pulp and acetone were mixed, and a receipt confirming the acetone delivery.

Ricin is a naturally occurring, extremely toxic protein. It can be fatal if inhaled, injected, or ingested, and is recognized as a viable biological weapon due to its extreme toxicity. The substance can be easily derived from castor pulp, a waste byproduct from the castor oil extraction process, known as castor meal. Ricin can be formulated into various forms including powder, aerosol, pellet, or dissolved in water, making it versatile for potential attacks.

The Gujarat ATS believes that the arrested individuals, Dr. Ahmed among them, were involved in a dangerous plot to use ricin as a biological weapon. The discovery of precursor materials such as castor pulp and extraction equipment strongly indicates an attempt to manufacture this deadly toxin.

Dr. Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyyad is a medical graduate who completed his education in China. His brother, Omer Farooq, provided exclusive information to NDTV regarding the doctor's involvement in this case.

"My brother was given a project by someone," Omer Farooq told reporters, suggesting there was no malicious intent. "I don't think my brother knew about (ricin's) toxicity."