Mumbai police have arrested a 39-year-old businessman from Pune for allegedly planning to distribute thousands of capsules laced with zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rodenticide, during a Muharram procession in the city. The incident, which could have led to a mass tragedy, was averted after authorities seized approximately 14,900 poisoned capsules shortly before they were to be distributed.
The accused, Faiyaz Premji, was detained on Friday night during the Ashura procession in the Byculla area. According to police, Premji approached participants and offered the capsules, claiming they were free painkillers. However, suspicion arose when a participant who consumed one of the capsules fell ill, reporting symptoms of vomiting and severe stomach pain. Hospital staff alerted the police, who then intercepted Premji.
During interrogation, Premji reportedly confessed that his intention was to target individuals in the procession and cause them harm. He allegedly stated that he wanted to kill at least 15,000 people. Police have registered a case against him under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to administering poison and attempt to murder.
Investigators have seized a significant quantity of poison, including approximately 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide powder and around 30,000 empty capsules that Premji had ordered online. He is believed to have spent approximately 15 days preparing the poisoned capsules, filling each with about one gram of zinc phosphide, to avoid detection of the poison’s odor and appearance.
Premji, a Bachelor of Business Administration graduate, is reported to be from a business family in Pune, with his father owning a paint company. He had been staying in a rented guest house in Mumbai’s Dongri area in the days leading up to the procession. Police are investigating his background, including his travels to Iran and Iraq multiple times between 2019 and 2025, to determine if he acted alone or as part of a larger network.
Premji’s mother and sister reside in Iran, and he maintains contact with them. He is also reportedly divorced and lives separately from his wife. Authorities are examining his financial records, travel history, and online purchases to ascertain the full scope of the alleged plot and uncover any potential accomplices.
The alleged incident highlights a disturbing escalation in planned violence, with authorities commending the swift action of the Mumbai police in preventing a potential disaster during a significant religious observance.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
