He Wanted to Kill 15,000 Muslims in India, Volunteers Foiled Mumbai Poisoning Plot During Muharram

Fayyaz Premji detained in Byculla, Mumbai

MUMBAI, Jun 28: A potential mass poisoning incident was averted during a Muharram procession in Mumbai after police detained a man accused of distributing capsules allegedly containing the deadly chemical zinc phosphide among participants.

The accused, identified as Fayyaz Premji, was detained in the Byculla area after several people who consumed the capsules reportedly fell ill. Police said the pills were allegedly being distributed near the Rehmatabad Cemetery at Reay Road, where thousands of people had gathered for the Ashura procession.

According to police sources, Premji allegedly disguised the capsules as painkillers or immunity boosters and distributed them among members of the public. At least 11 people who consumed the pills complained of symptoms, including stomach pain and vomiting and were taken to a nearby hospital. Officials said all those affected are now out of danger.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Jayant Meena confirmed that the capsules contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic compound commonly used in rodent-control products. The accused allegedly had no authorisation to distribute any medication or substances to the public.

Police said the incident was prevented from escalating due to the alertness of three women volunteers present at the procession.

One of the volunteers reportedly noticed Premji distributing capsules suspiciously and questioned him. When he claimed the pills were immunity boosters, the volunteers opened one of the capsules and found an unknown powder inside, raising suspicion.

They immediately alerted police and made announcements through loudspeakers, warning people not to consume the capsules. Officers then detained Premji and seized his remaining stock.

Police recovered around 14,900 capsules from his possession, while a preliminary investigation suggested that a large number of pills may have already been distributed among the crowd.

During questioning, Premji allegedly confessed that he intended to poison thousands of people attending the procession, with sources quoting him as saying he wanted to kill around 15,000 people.

A court has remanded him to police custody for two days as investigators examine the motive behind the alleged plot and whether he acted alone or was linked to any wider conspiracy.

Police said Premji, a BBA graduate, had previously travelled to Iran and Iraq, and authorities are investigating whether there are any possible terror links connected to the case.

A case has been registered against him at Byculla Police Station under Section 123 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with causing hurt by means of poison or other harmful substances with intent to commit an offence.

Investigators have seized the capsules for forensic examination and are examining how Premji obtained the toxic substance.

Officials said the accused had allegedly ordered 30,000 empty capsules and 50 kilograms of phosphorus, raising questions about the scale and preparation behind the suspected plan.

Zinc phosphide is a highly poisonous chemical that can become extremely dangerous when ingested. It reacts with stomach acids to produce phosphine gas, a toxic substance that can severely damage vital organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain.

Medical experts say there is no specific antidote for zinc phosphide poisoning, and survival depends on immediate medical attention and supportive treatment.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid consuming unidentified medicines or capsules distributed by unknown individuals and to immediately report suspicious activity during large gatherings.