Rapid Fire
Ricin Poisoning
- 11 Nov 2025
- 2 min read
A suspected attempt to extract and deploy ricin, a highly lethal biological toxin, was uncovered by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) with the arrest of three individuals linked to cross-border radical networks.
- Ricin: It is a naturally occurring carbohydrate-binding protein produced in the seeds of ricinus communis, the plant that produces castor oil.
- It is toxic when inhaled, ingested, or injected. Ricin stops cells from making the proteins they need to stay alive, without these proteins, the cells get damaged and eventually die.
- Ricin as a Security Concern: It is extremely dangerous because only a tiny amount can be deadly, there is no antidote, and it is hard to detect quickly.
- Since castor beans used to make it are widely available, the toxin can be produced from common agricultural material.
- Due to its extreme toxicity and high misuse potential, ricin is classified as a Schedule-1 agent under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
- Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC): It is a global, non-discriminatory disarmament treaty that prohibits the development, production, stockpiling, acquisition, transfer, and use of chemical weapons.
- It also mandates the complete, verifiable destruction of existing stockpiles and transparency in the use of dual-use chemicals.
- CWC is overseen by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).
- India ratified the CWC in 1996 and enacted the Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000 to enforce its provisions.
- Under CWC, India must declare relevant chemical facilities and permit OPCW inspections. The National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) oversees its implementation.
| Read more: Chemical Weapons Convention |
