Ricin: A Growing Biological Threat
Concern over biological terrorism is rising in India.
The recent ricin terror plot uncovered by the gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has heightened awareness of this threat.
Dr. Y.K. Gupta, former head of the National Toxins Information Center at AIIMS, emphasized that ricin is extremely lethal, with even a single milligram potentially fatal.
What is Ricin?
Ricin is a highly toxic protein derived from castor seeds.
It can enter the body through:
Inhalation
Skin contact
Ingestion
Once inside the body, ricin attacks multiple systems:
Respiratory system: Causes difficulty breathing
Central nervous system (CNS): Can lead to seizures and CNS depression
Digestive system (if ingested): Causes vomiting, diarrhea, drop in blood pressure, organ failure, and potentially death
Why Ricin is Dangerous
No specific antidote exists for ricin poisoning.
Considered one of the most dangerous biological terrorist agents globally.
Historical use: Ricin has been employed as a targeted assassination tool in the 1970s.
Safety notes:
Whole castor seeds are hard and generally non-toxic if swallowed
Broken seeds release ricin and are lethal
Ricin is destroyed by heat; castor oil and seed cake used as cattle feed are ricin-free
Gujarat Bioterrorism Plot
ATS recently arrested three suspects, including Dr. ahmed Mohiuddin Syed (35, Hyderabad).
Investigation revealed plans to develop ricin and target crowded areas in Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow.
Items seized included:
Two Glock pistols and one Beretta pistol
30 cartridges
Four liters of castor oil (potential ricin precursor)
Suspects were allegedly in contact with ISKP and a Pakistan-based handler, aiming for a large-scale biological attack.
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