Mumbai: The Mumbai Police have officially ruled out any terrorist connections in the ongoing investigation into the distribution of toxic capsules during a recent Muharram procession. According to a report by the Free Press Journal, authorities confirmed on Tuesday that the sole accused, 39-year-old Fayyaz Premji, acted independently out of deep-seated personal animosity rather than ideological radicalization.
Premji, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) graduate, is currently in police custody. He is accused of manufacturing and distributing approximately 30,000 capsules laced with zinc phosphide—a highly hazardous chemical commonly used as rat poison. The distribution took place during a religious procession across the Byculla and Dongri areas, specifically targeting routes leading toward the Rahmatabad Cemetery on Reay Road and the Byculla East Qabrastan.
Toxic Capsules Disguised as Pain Relievers
According to initial findings by investigators, Premji allegedly distributed the lethal capsules along the procession route stretching from Dongri to the cemetery via the Hancock Bridge. He targeted mourners participating in Qama, a self-flagellation ritual observed by some individuals during Muharram.
Law enforcement officials stated that the suspect convinced participants the capsules were standard painkillers intended to alleviate physical suffering and provide relief after the ritual.
The scheme unraveled after individuals who ingested the capsules suffered immediate, severe medical distress. As reported by news agency IANS, at least two people fell ill after consuming the pills and required urgent medical intervention. One of the victims, identified as 26-year-old Salman Mohammad Islam Syed from Shivaji Nagar, Govandi, experienced acute abdominal pain, intense nausea, and vomiting. Syed was subsequently admitted to Habib Hospital in Dongri, where he continues to receive medical care.
Artificial Intelligence Used to Research Chemicals
During intense police interrogation, Premji allegedly confessed to his actions, revealing a deeply troubled psychological state. Investigators disclosed that the accused harbored intense resentment toward society, stating during questioning that he perceived the entire world as his adversary. News reports indicate his emotional decline stemmed from severe social exclusion and the breakdown of his family structure.
Premji also admitted to knowing exactly how lethal the capsules were before distributing them. Police revealed that the suspect utilized various artificial intelligence tools to research the chemical properties and hazardous side effects of zinc phosphide to ensure the efficacy of his plot.
Forensics and Mental Health Evaluation Underway
Following his arrest, Premji was presented before a local Mumbai court, which granted law enforcement a two-day remand to continue their interrogation and gather evidence.
The Free Press Journal highlighted that the scope of the investigation has expanded to include a comprehensive evaluation of the suspect’s background. Local detectives have already recorded detailed statements from Premji’s immediate family members to better understand his behavioral history. Furthermore, his mobile phone has been seized and forwarded to a forensic laboratory for digital examination.
As the investigation progresses, Mumbai Police remain focused on analyzing Premji’s internet browsing history, his digital footprint, and his overall mental health stability to fully close the case.
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