Ricin Terror Plot Mastermind Assaulted in High-Security Prison
The primary accused in the alleged Ricin terror plot case, Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed (Jilani), was violently assaulted by three fellow inmates within Ahmedabad's high-security Sabarmati Central Jail on Tuesday. The attack occurred just one day after Saiyed was transferred to the facility under judicial custody, raising serious questions about prison security.
Deputy CM Attributes Attack to National Betrayal Anger
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi addressed the incident during a Cabinet briefing on Wednesday, suggesting the assault stemmed from "rage" against individuals who "betrayed the nation" despite benefiting from government schemes. "Those who have eaten the bread of this country, who have benefited from several schemes of this country... Such people were carrying out anti-national activities somewhere. Because of this, there was anger in their (assailants') mind, hence they carried out this attack," Sanghavi stated, quoting preliminary information from the attackers.
The Deputy CM confirmed that Saiyed sustained minor eye injuries due to his spectacles during the altercation. While acknowledging that officers are investigating the incident thoroughly, Sanghavi emphasized that a detailed report would follow the ongoing inquiry.
Attack Details and Investigation Progress
According to the First Information Report (FIR) registered at Ranip police station based on Saiyed's complaint, the assault unfolded on Tuesday morning. Saiyed claimed he was sitting in his barracks while his two co-accused were sleeping when three men initially passed by their cell, saw them, and walked away. Approximately ten minutes later, the trio returned and launched a physical assault on him.
The three accused in the assault case have been identified as:
- Anil Kumar - undertrial in a murder case registered at Kagdapith police station
- Shivam Sharma - undertrial prisoner in a murder case registered at Amraiwadi police station
- Ankit Lodhi - undertrial prisoner in a POCSO Act case
They have been charged under BNS sections 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt, 117(2) for voluntarily causing grievous hurt, and 54 for being present as abettors. Following the attack, prison staff transported Saiyed to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital for medical treatment.
Background of the Ricin Terror Plot Case
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Saiyed along with two other individuals on November 8 for allegedly attempting to isolate the highly toxic chemical agent Ricin from castor beans. The plot aimed to carry out a "major terror attack" according to investigating agencies.
The arrested individuals include:
- Dr Ahmed Mohiyuddin Saiyed (35) from Hyderabad, Telangana
- Azad Suleman Sheikh (20), a tailor from Shamli, Uttar Pradesh
- Mohammad Suhail Mohammad Saleem Khan (23), a student from UP's Lakhimpur Kheri
Along with wanted accused Abu Khadija of Afghanistan, they face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Arms Act. The city crime branch has taken over the investigation into the jail assault, while the original terror plot case remains under ATS jurisdiction.
