‘Wanted to kill 15,000’: Mumbai Police thwart alleged poison attack at Muharram event

The accused, identified as Fayyaz Premji, was detained in the Byculla area on Friday after several people who consumed the capsules complained of illness.

A court later remanded him to two days' police custody.

Toxic capsules allegedly distributed during procession

According to police, Premji was distributing capsules among participants in the Ashura procession near Rehmatabad Cemetery at Reay Road, claiming they were painkillers or immunity boosters.

At least 11 people reportedly fell ill after consuming the capsules and were taken to a nearby hospital. Officials said all of them are now out of danger.

One of the victims, Salman Sayed, reportedly suffered stomach pain and vomiting shortly after taking a capsule.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jayant Meena confirmed that preliminary investigations found the capsules contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic chemical commonly used in rat poison. He added that the accused had no authorisation to distribute any medication.

Alert volunteers helped prevent larger disaster

Police said the suspected plot was foiled due to the vigilance of three women volunteers deployed during the procession.

One of the volunteers noticed Premji distributing the capsules in a suspicious manner and, along with the others, stopped him and alerted the police.

An announcement was immediately made over loudspeakers, warning people not to consume the capsules.

When questioned, the accused allegedly claimed the capsules were immunity boosters.

However, the volunteers opened one of the capsules, found powder inside and informed the police, leading to his detention.

Officers seized around 14,900 capsules from the accused. Police said a significant number had already been distributed before he was stopped.

Police probe wider conspiracy

According to DCP Meena, investigators also recovered evidence suggesting that Premji had ordered 30,000 empty capsules and 50 kilograms of phosphorus.

Police claimed the accused later told investigators that he intended to kill thousands of people participating in the procession.

According to police sources,as cited by NDTV, he allegedly said he wanted to kill "at least 15,000 people." Authorities have not independently verified the alleged confession in court.

The accused, a BBA graduate, had previously travelled to Iran and Iraq, senior police officials said.

Investigators are examining whether there are any terror links or other individuals involved in the alleged conspiracy.

Case registered, forensic analysis underway

A case has been registered against Premji at the Byculla police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 123 relating to causing hurt by means of poison with intent to commit an offence.

The seized capsules have been sent for forensic examination, and further investigation is underway.

Why is zinc phosphide highly dangerous?

Zinc phosphide is an extremely toxic chemical compound widely used in rodent control products.

Once ingested, it reacts with stomach acid to release phosphine gas, which 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. Treatment primarily involves immediate hospitalisation, supportive care and intensive monitoring, with ventilator support in severe cases.