On November 13, Gujarat ATS raided the house of Ahmed Mohiuddin Saiyed (Dr. Ahmed Syed) in Hyderabad and recovered materials for making dreaded chemical poison. Castor seeds, chemicals and raw materials for making poisonous substance Ricin were found with the accused. ATS alleges that Syed planned to prepare a large quantity of ricin, which was to be used in attacks at various sensitive locations in India. As the investigation into the case progressed, it was revealed that Syed was not alone. Along with him, two other accused from Uttar Pradesh – Azad Suleman Sheikh and Mohammad Suhail Salim Khan – were also arrested. According to the ATS, all three were linked to a wider terror network and were involved in a larger conspiracy to carry out chemical attacks rather than multiple attacks across the country. Ricin – Deadly poison Ricin is a natural but extremely dangerous protein obtained from castor seeds. Scientists and security experts consider it a biochemical weapon. Even very small amounts (a few micrograms) can be fatal – if they enter the body through inhalation, injection or food. According to the Gujarat ATS complaint, Syed assembled equipment to make ricin from the waste (castor pulp) and other chemical materials left after extracting castor oil. It is alleged that he procured 4 liters of castor oil and other related materials from Rajasthan, so that poison could be prepared on a large scale. Deep Roots of Terrorism Conspiracy: According to ATS, the three arrested persons were not only preparing ricin, but they also extracted several sensitive places in the country. They are said to have prepared potential markets in cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Haridwar in the past. The use of both weapons and chemical weapons was involved in this conspiracy. Digital evidence in particular – such as the sharing of radical literature on social media and messaging applications, and indications of terrorist directors – also provided proof that Syed and his associates had links to the international terrorist organization ISIS Khorasan Province (ISKP). Security agencies alerted, this arrest is considered a major success for Indian security agencies. If this conspiracy had not been detected in time, chemical attacks could have occurred in many parts of the country – with the possibility of major civilian casualties. ATS said that a thorough investigation of the case is underway so that the entire length of the net and other gang members can be ascertained.