Rajasthan ATS Teams Up with Gujarat After ISIS-Linked Terrorists Smuggle Weapons via Drones

Jaipur, Nov 2025 : The Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has dispatched a team to Gujarat following revelations that three ISIS-linked terrorists arrested by the Gujarat ATS had traveled through Hanumangarh in Rajasthan. Officials said the suspects had received weapons via drones from Pakistan and were planning attacks at multiple locations across India.

The Rajasthan ATS team from Jaipur is coordinating closely with Gujarat Police to interrogate the suspects and uncover possible local facilitators, arms suppliers, or sleeper cells operating within Rajasthan. The investigation aims to trace the full network behind the weapons smuggling and planned attacks.

The Gujarat ATS has identified the arrested men as Dr. Ahmed Mohiuddin Syed (35) of Hyderabad, Azad Suleman Shaikh (20) of Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, and Mohammad Suhail alias Mohammad Salim Khan (23) of Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. Interrogations revealed that all three were active operatives of ISIS, operating as part of two separate modules that had later converged in Uttar Pradesh.

Authorities recovered a significant cache of weapons and hazardous materials from the suspects. From Dr. Syed’s possession, ATS seized two Glock pistols, a Beretta pistol, 30 cartridges, and four liters of castor oil, believed to be intended for the preparation of ricin, a highly toxic chemical. Sources indicated that Syed had begun experimenting with the poison and remained in regular contact with his handlers in Pakistan.

Officials said the trio traveled from Uttar Pradesh to Adalaj in Ahmedabad via Hanumangarh, carrying the smuggled weapons. Their plan reportedly involved attacks at several high-profile targets across India. Gujarat ATS DIG Sunil Joshi confirmed that the suspects were in communication with Abdul Khadija, a Pakistani handler affiliated with ISIS’s ISKP (Islamic State Khorasan Province). The court has remanded the trio in ATS custody until November 17 for further interrogation.

Rajasthan ATS investigators are examining the route used by the suspects, particularly focusing on the drone-dropped consignments from Pakistan, and identifying any local accomplices. While Hanumangarh does not share a direct border with Pakistan, smuggling incidents from neighboring Sriganganagar district are well-documented. Investigators are probing whether local networks facilitated the transport of weapons and other materials from Rajasthan to Gujarat.

The incident has raised concerns over the effectiveness of Rajasthan’s security and intelligence apparatus. The drones successfully delivered weapon consignments without detection, highlighting gaps in surveillance and coordination. Sources noted that drone intrusions are not entirely new to Rajasthan; previous cases involved narcotics drops in Sriganganagar and Barmer districts. However, the confirmed use of drones to deliver weapons marks a dangerous escalation, prompting authorities to review border monitoring and intelligence mechanisms in the region.

The unfolding investigation underscores the growing threat of cross-border terrorism and the innovative methods employed by terror networks. Security agencies in Rajasthan and Gujarat continue to work in tandem to dismantle the network, prevent future attacks, and strengthen vigilance along critical corridors.