Mumbai: A routine security deployment during Muharram processions in Mumbai took a dramatic turn after police claimed to have foiled an alleged mass poisoning attempt by seizing 14,900 capsules allegedly filed with zinc phosphide, a highly toxic rat poison.
The investigation began after a participant in the procession reportedly consumed one of the capsules and was rushed to hospital with severe vomiting and abdominal pain. The incident prompted an immediate police response, leading officers to detain Faiyaz Premji, a pune based businessman, who was allegedly distributing the capsules as medicines or pain relif tablets in South Mumbai.
According to Mumbai Police, the accused was carrying thousands of capsules intended for distribution during the Muharram gathering. Officers later recovered 14,900 capsules and claimed that the suspect had purchased 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide along with nearly 30,000 empty capsules, indicating preparations for a much larger operation.
Police said the capsules were allegedly prepared at a guest house in Mumbai’s Dongri area, where the accused had been staying. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to attempted murder and administering poison.
Investigators are now examining the accused’s mobile phone, financial records and travel history to determine whether he acted alone or had accomplices. Officials said he had travelled multiple times to iran and iraq between 2019 and 2025, though they have not established any link between those visits and the ongoing case.
While motive remains under investigation, police have stressed that no conclusions about a wider network can be drawn until forensic and digital evidence is fully analysed.
Zinc Phosphide is commonly used as rodenticide and is highly poisonous if ingested. Following the seizure, Mumbai Police have stepped up security at Muharram events and urged the public not to accept medicines, food or beverages from unkown individuals during large public gatherings. The investigations remains ongoing.