Mumbai: Mumbai police have arrested a 39-year-old man from Pune for allegedly distributing capsules containing the highly toxic rodenticide zinc phosphide during a Muharram procession, in what investigators say was a plot to kill at least 15,000 people.
The suspect, identified as Faiyaz Premji, told police during questioning that he intended to cause mass casualties. He describes himself as an "ex-Muslim" and is a Bachelor of Business Administration graduate. Investigators have also found that he had travelled frequently to Iran and Iraq between 2019 and 2025, including 19 visits to the two countries in the past 12 months.
The incident occurred during the Ashura procession near Rahmatabad Kabristan, where the accused allegedly distributed capsules claiming they were painkillers and immunity boosters. Eleven people who consumed the capsules fell ill and were admitted to the hospital. Authorities said all recovered after treatment.
Three women volunteers became suspicious of the distribution, stopped the suspect and alerted police. A public announcement was then made, warning participants not to consume the capsules.
Police seized around 14,900 capsules from the accused. Investigators also found that he had ordered 30,000 empty capsules and 50 kilograms of zinc phosphide.
A preliminary forensic examination found the capsules contained zinc phosphide, a highly toxic substance used as rat poison. The chemical can severely damage the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and brain, and has no specific antidote. Treatment is limited to supportive medical care, including ventilator support where necessary.
A case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police are continuing to examine the suspect's finances, mobile phone records, digital communications and other contacts to determine the motive behind the alleged attack.