Mumbai Police arrests man for distributing poison capsules at Muharram procession, probe suspects mass poisoning
Mumbai Police have arrested a 36-year-old man for allegedly distributing capsules containing the toxic chemical zinc phosphide during a Muharram procession in the city’s Byculla area. Later, the Police clarified that the incident was part of a planned mass poisoning attempt.
The accused, identified as Fayyaz Premji, was detained on Friday near Rehmatabad Cemetery at Reay Road after several participants reported falling ill shortly after consuming capsules he allegedly claimed were painkillers and immunity boosters.
At least 11 people complained of stomach pain and vomiting after consuming the capsules and were rushed to a nearby hospital. Police said all the affected persons have since been discharged and are out of danger.
A local court has remanded Premji to two days of police custody. A case has been registered against him under Section 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with causing hurt by means of poison or other harmful substances with intent to commit an offence.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jayant Meena said a preliminary forensic examination confirmed that the capsules contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic substance commonly used in rodenticides.
Investigators recovered around 14,900 capsules from the accused. Police also claimed that Premji had ordered 30,000 empty capsules and nearly 50 kilograms of phosphorus, prompting investigators to probe whether the alleged plot was part of a larger conspiracy.
Police are also examining his travel history, including visits to Iran and Iraq, to determine whether there were any links to a broader network. Authorities have not announced any confirmed terror connection, and the investigation remains underway.
According to police sources, the accused allegedly told investigators that he intended to target thousands of people participating in the Ashura procession. However, the alleged confession is part of the ongoing investigation and has not been tested in court.
The alleged plot was thwarted after three women volunteers monitoring the procession noticed Premji distributing capsules in a suspicious manner. When questioned, he allegedly claimed they were immunity boosters. The volunteers reportedly opened one capsule, found powder inside and immediately alerted nearby police personnel. Authorities then issued announcements over loudspeakers, warning people not to consume the capsules.
Zinc phosphide is an extremely poisonous chemical that releases phosphine gas when it comes into contact with stomach acid. The gas can cause severe damage to the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and brain. There is no specific antidote, and treatment primarily involves emergency supportive care and ventilator support in severe cases.
Zinc phosphide is an extremely poisonous chemical that releases phosphine gas when it reacts with stomach acid. The gas can severely damage the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and brain, and there is no specific antidote. Treatment primarily involves emergency supportive care and ventilator support in severe cases.